Troops of the Nigerian military have killed no fewer than 65 bandits, including a son of wanted terror leader, Ado Allero, during a major coordinated offensive in Zamfara State.
The operation, which combined ground forces with air support, was carried out in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state, targeting criminal enclaves linked to persistent attacks in the North-West.
Security sources said the offensive led to the death of Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a notorious bandit commander and son of Ado Allero, alongside several other high-profile fighters.
The assault reportedly took place in Munhaye village, behind Kunchin Kalgo, where troops engaged the armed groups in a fierce gun battle that lasted over seven hours.
According to intelligence reports, the confrontation began around 6pm on Saturday when troops advanced on the bandits’ hideouts, triggering heavy resistance.
“The troops engaged the bandits in an intense exchange of fire, supported by precision airstrikes that destroyed their positions,” a security source disclosed.
It was further gathered that Ado Allero had mobilised a large number of fighters, deploying about 300 motorcycles from the Yan Wari axis in an apparent attempt to repel the advancing troops.
Reinforcements were also said to have been drawn from camps belonging to another bandit leader, Dankarami Gwaska.
Among those killed in the operation were two other commanders identified as Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha. The latter had reportedly taken over leadership following the killing of a senior commander, Alti, last month.
However, the operation was not without casualties on the side of pro-government forces, as seven vigilantes supporting the troops were confirmed dead.
Following the heavy losses, Ado Allero was said to have fled the area and is currently in hiding, while troops have intensified pursuit operations to apprehend him and dismantle his network.
Sarki, one of those neutralised, had been widely linked to a series of deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling operations across Zamfara and neighbouring states, including Katsina.
He was previously arrested in Katsina State during the administration of former governor Aminu Bello Masari but was later released under controversial circumstances.
Security sources alleged that his release followed the abduction of senior police officers by his father’s gang to force negotiations.
In a further indication of the group’s reach, Sarki was said to have travelled to Kano State just days before his death for cattle rustling operations.
Meanwhile, security analysts have warned that the killing of the bandit leader’s son and several commanders could trigger reprisal attacks, as loyalists of Ado Allero may attempt to regroup.
Authorities have, however, assured residents of sustained military pressure to prevent any retaliation and restore stability in the troubled region.
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