Army kills bandit leader’s son, scores of fighters in Zamfara raid

Troops of Operation Fansan Yanma have carried out a major offensive on the camp of notorious bandit leader Ado Alero, in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, resulting in the killing of several fighters, including the kingpin’s son.

The spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yanma, Capt. David Adewusi confirmed the operation to PUNCH Online in a telephone interview on Sunday, stating that the raid took place on Saturday.

Adewusi said the troops launched a heavy assault on the camp, leading to significant casualties among the bandits.

“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,” he said.

The military spokesperson, however, noted that the exact number of casualties was yet to be officially confirmed.

“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,” Adewusi added.

Meanwhile, a report published on the Nigerian Armed Forces and Military News Facebook page claimed that at least 65 fighters were killed during the operation, including Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as the biological son of Ado Alero.

According to the report, other key figures allegedly killed during the operation included top lieutenants identified as Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.

The report further stated that Alero had reportedly mobilised about 300 motorcycle-riding fighters and reinforcements from allied groups but was overwhelmed by superior military firepower, including precision airstrikes.

It also indicated that seven vigilantes supporting the troops lost their lives during the encounter.

The publication noted that the killing of Iliya Sarki, described as a commander linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling operations across several states, could weaken the operational structure of the group.

The report added that Ado Alero was believed to have fled towards Yankuzo town, while troops had intensified efforts to track down fleeing members of the group and prevent possible reprisal attacks on vulnerable communities.

Security operatives were said to have maintained heightened vigilance in surrounding areas as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the remaining cells linked to the bandit leader.