The Nigerian security forces have dealt a significant blow to bandit networks in the country’s north western Zamfara State, neutralizing over 65 bandits, including a notorious commander and the son of a wanted kingpin, in a seven-hour ground and air offensive.
Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a prominent bandit kingpin and the son of the highly wanted terrorist leader Alhaji Ado Allero, was said to have been killed during the operation, while other leaders of the bandits including senior lieutenants Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha were also reportedly neutralized.
Military sources and security trackers report that at least 65 bandits were killed in the encounter but tragically, seven vigilantes supporting the troops also lost their lives.
Security analysts consider this a major success, as it destroys the command-and-control structure of one of the North-West’s most feared criminal groups. The operation follows the recent killing of another bandit commander, Alti, last month, creating substantial disruption in the group’s leadership.
This operation follows a presidential directive for service chiefs to relocate to the region until normalcy is restored.
The operation, conducted by Operation FANSAN YANMA from Saturday, April 4, 2026, targeted bandit hideouts in the Munhaye forest of Tsafe Local Government Area, including the camp of wanted kingpin Alhaji Ado Allero, which served as a logistics hub for kidnapping and cattle rustling in Zamfara, Katsina, and Kano states.
Allero had reportedly mobilized over 300 motorcycle-riding fighters to repulse the army, but they were overwhelmed by superior firepower and precision air strikes.
Allero reportedly fled to Yankuzu town, while troops intensified efforts to track down fleeing members and prevent reprisal attacks.
Security forces have intensified clearance operations and aerial surveillance across the Tsafe–Shinkafi corridor to prevent retaliatory attacks and track down remaining cell members.
Security sources say Ado Allero was believed to be in or around the area at the time of the assault but managed to escape as the offensive intensified. He is now said to be on the run, with ongoing military pursuit operations targeting remaining fighters and possible escape routes.
While some circulating accounts suggest heightened psychological pressure on the bandit leader following the losses, such claims remain unverified.
Official communications have focused on the operational success of the raid and continued efforts to dismantle armed groups in the North-West region.
