Troops have killed at least 65 bandits, including Kachalla Iliya Sarki, son of wanted bandit leader Ado Allero, during a coordinated ground and air assault in Zamfara State.
The operation, which took place in Tsafe LGA, targeted bandit strongholds in Munhaye village and dealt a significant blow to criminal groups linked to attacks across Zamfara, Katsina and parts of Kano.
According to Zagazola Makama, quoting security sources: “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.”
“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.”
Other commanders, including Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, were also killed during the operation, while seven vigilantes reportedly lost their lives.
Following the assault, Ado Allero is said to have fled and “is now in hiding in Yankuzu town”, as troops continue pursuit operations.
Makama noted that Sarki had been linked to multiple attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling operations across the north-west.
“However, security sources warned that the development may trigger retaliatory actions, noting that Ado Allero is likely to mobilise his fighters for reprisal attacks in response to the killing of his son and key lieutenants.”