Troops kill 65 bandits, notorious kingpin’s son in Zamfara

Nigerian troops have killed no fewer than 65 suspected bandits, including Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a notorious commander during a coordinated ground and air offensive in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara state.

Sarki, identified as the son of Ado Allero, wanted bandit leader was among those neutralised in the operation.

Security sources described him as a major blow to criminal networks operating across the North-West.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoting security sources, said the operation occurred in Munhaye village behind Kunchin Kalgo and delivered a heavy blow to terrorist groups long linked to deadly attacks across Zamfara, Katsina and parts of Kano state.

“The sources said the intense battle commenced at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for over seven hours, as troops engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire, supported by precision airstrikes that decimated their positions,” the publication said.

“According to the sources, the bandits kingpin Alhaji Ado Allero had mobilised heavily armed fighters for the confrontation, deploying an estimated 300 motorcycles of fighters from Yan Wari axis in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to repel advancing troops.

“Other fighters were deployed from the camp of Dankarami Gwaska and deployed as reinforcements against the troops.”

Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, two bandit leaders, were also among those killed.

Rasha had assumed leadership after another commander, Alti, was killed last month.

Seven vigilantes fighting alongside the troops also lost their lives.

Following the operation, Ado Allero reportedly fled and “is now in hiding in Yankuzu town”, as troops continue pursuit operations.

Makama said Sarki, widely regarded as one of the most feared bandit commanders in the north-west, was linked to multiple deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling across Katsina and Zamfara states.

He was reportedly arrested in Katsina during the administration of former governor Aminu Bello Masari but later released after his father allegedly orchestrated the abduction of senior police officers to force negotiations.

The slain commander had reportedly travelled to Kano just four days before his death to rustle livestock, highlighting the group’s cross-state operations.