State security forces have uncovered plans by armed bandits to launch a coordinated reprisal attack in communities in Zamfara State, following recent operations that led to the killing of a son of notorious bandit leader Ado Aliero and no fewer than 65 other fighters.
The planned retaliation is believed to be in response to sustained offensives by Nigerian military personnel, working alongside hybrid security units under Operation Fansan Yamma.
The operations targeted bandit hideouts in Tsafe Local Government Area and adjoining forest corridors, dealing a significant blow to the criminal network.
Security sources said the offensive resulted in the neutralisation of several high-profile commanders linked to Ado Aliero, a figure associated with years of violent attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara and neighbouring states.
Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as Aliero’s son, alongside other key field commanders who played critical roles in coordinating attacks in the region.
Also reportedly eliminated were Dogo Sule, Iliya Mai Rasha, and other senior operatives who had led attacks across Tsafe, Maru, and nearby communities.
The losses are said to have disrupted the operational structure of the group, weakening its command and control capacity.
Despite this setback, intelligence reports indicate that surviving members are attempting to regroup, with plans to carry out retaliatory attacks targeting security formations and vulnerable communities.
The mobilisation is said to involve large-scale movement of fighters along forest routes, with motorcycles deployed for rapid coordination across multiple locations.
According to sources, more than 200 motorcycles were sighted conveying suspected bandits assembling around the Unguwar Tsamiya forest axis.
The movement has also been linked to another notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, raising concerns over a broader coordinated response.
Further details revealed that the operations also led to the dismantling of several bandit enclaves in Munhaye and nearby forest belts, disrupting supply lines and facilitating the rescue of abducted victims.
Among those neutralised was Kachalla Biyabiki, who was reportedly holding captives at the time, as well as Kachalla Dogon Bete.
Intelligence officials assess that while the recent offensive has significantly weakened Ado Aliero’s network, it may also provoke retaliatory violence from remaining fighters seeking revenge.
Security authorities warned that intelligence points to a high likelihood of attacks on soft targets, particularly in isolated rural communities.
In response, surveillance has been intensified and additional troops deployed to vulnerable areas, especially along forest fringes and major road corridors in Tsafe, Maru, and neighbouring localities.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, as authorities assured that ongoing operations would continue to prevent any breakdown of security.
Forces under Operation Fansan Yamma, in collaboration with DSS operatives and hybrid units, are sustaining clearance operations aimed at dismantling remaining camps and preventing regrouping across the North-West theatre.
By Linus Aleke In Abuja
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