The Police in Zamfara State have arrested a suspected notorious bandit kingpin called Sani Mati better known as Mai Yanmata. The wanted criminal arrested by the Tactical Operatives in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state hails from Mayasa village. Maiyammata is said to be formerly a member of the gang of bandits led by Bello Turfi, but now with another wanted kingpin, Kachalla Sani-Black. Sani-Black is said to operate along Zurmi, Shinkafi and Birnin Magaji LGAs. The Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkanah, said he was arrested while attempting to kidnap passengers at Koliya village. “On December 26, 2021 at about 0500 hours, police tactical operatives deployed along Zurmi axis while on confidence-building patrol acted on an intelligent operation that led to the arrest of a notorious bandit named Sani Mati also known as Mai Yanmata,” the police commissioner said.
“The bandit who was arrested while trying to block the road and kidnap innocent commuters at a village called Koliya, earlier belonged to a Turji camp but operating under a notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Sani Black who operates at Zurmi, Shinkafi axis respectively.
“One AK-47 rifle, double magazines with three rounds of live ammunition and one Boxer motorcycle was recovered from him.”
The commissioner noted that the suspect is currently undergoing discreet questioning adding that state command is committed to apprehending his partners in crime before arraigning him in court for prosecution.
