Notorious bandit leader Alhaji Sani Yellow has denied reports that he was killed during a recent security operation in Zamfara State.

A video shared on X on Wednesday by a user identified as Mobilisingnigerians showed Sani Yellow dismissing claims of his death, which had circulated on social media following reports of a successful counter-banditry operation.

According to the post accompanying the video, the confusion resulted from mistaken identity. It claimed the bandit killed was another commander, also known by the nickname “Yellow,” who was allegedly loyal to a bandit leader identified as Gwaska.

The reports of Sani Yellow’s death emerged after security operatives reportedly killed a notorious bandit commander identified as Kachalla Sani Yellow during an operation in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The slain commander was said to have coordinated several attacks along the Anka–Bagega Road before he was killed in a confrontation involving the Maiduguri Special Vigilantes supporting ongoing military operations. His body was later displayed to residents of Anka as evidence of the operation.

However, the newly circulated video suggests the individual killed was not the notorious Alhaji Sani Yellow but another bandit commander who shared the same nickname.

Security authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming the identity of the bandit killed or addressing the conflicting claims.