Troops Kill Bandits, Neutralise Kingpin’s Son In Zamfara Raid

Troops of Operation Fansan Yanma have launched a major offensive against the camp of a notorious bandit leader in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing several fighters, including the kingpin’s son.

.....

The operation, which took place on Saturday, targeted the camp of the wanted bandit leader Ado Alero, a figure widely linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region.

The spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yanma, Capt. David Adewusi, confirmed the development in a telephone interview with Punch on Sunday.

According to him, the troops carried out a heavy assault on the bandits’ hideout, inflicting significant casualties.

“There was a major attack on Alero’s camp last Saturday in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, which resulted in the death of several bandits,” Adewusi said.

However, he noted that the exact number of casualties had not yet been officially verified.

“I cannot confirm the exact number of bandits neutralised during the operation at the moment, but I can assure you that many of them were killed during the attack.

“We are still assessing the situation and will make the details public soon,” he added.

Kingpin’s Son Reportedly Among Those Killed

Meanwhile, a report published on the Nigerian Armed Forces and Military News Facebook page claimed that at least 65 bandit fighters were killed during the operation.

Among those reportedly killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as the biological son of Ado Alero.

The report also named other key figures allegedly neutralised during the raid, including senior lieutenants Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.

According to the report, the bandit leader had mobilised about 300 motorcycle-riding fighters and reinforcements from allied groups.

However, the bandits were said to have been overwhelmed by superior military firepower, including precision airstrikes carried out during the operation.

The encounter also reportedly led to the death of seven vigilantes who were supporting the troops.

The report indicated that Ado Alero is believed to have fled toward Yankuzo town following the attack.

Security forces have since intensified efforts to track down fleeing members of the group and prevent possible retaliatory attacks on nearby communities.

Security operatives are also said to have heightened surveillance in surrounding areas as part of ongoing operations to dismantle remaining bandit cells linked to the notorious kingpin.