In a major breakthrough against banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have neutralised no fewer than 65 bandits, including Kachalla Iliya Sarki, the son of notorious wanted bandit leader Ado Allero, during a coordinated ground and air assault in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The operation, carried out at Munhaye village behind Kunchin Kalgo, is being described by security sources as one of the most significant offensives in recent months against terror groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kano State.
According to sources familiar with the mission, the fierce encounter began at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and raged for more than seven hours, as troops engaged heavily armed bandits in a sustained firefight backed by precision airstrikes that destroyed multiple enemy positions.
Security sources disclosed that Ado Allero, one of the most dreaded bandit kingpins in the North-West, had mobilised a large contingent of fighters in an apparent effort to repel the advancing troops. The group reportedly deployed an estimated 300 motorcycles carrying armed fighters from the Yan Wari axis, while additional reinforcements were drawn from the camp of another notorious bandit leader, Dankarami Gwaska.
Despite the scale of the resistance, troops were said to have overwhelmed the bandits with superior firepower and tactical coordination.
“However, the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, leading to heavy casualties on their side,” one of the sources said.
Among those killed in the operation were Kachalla Iliya Sarki, described as a key operational commander within Ado Allero’s network, as well as two other top lieutenants identified as Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.
Security sources said Iliya Mai Rasha had recently assumed increased leadership responsibilities following the killing of another commander, Alti, in an earlier operation last month.
The offensive, however, came at a cost. Sources confirmed that seven vigilantes who fought alongside the troops lost their lives during the battle.
In the aftermath of the assault, Ado Allero was reportedly forced to flee the area and is believed to be hiding in Yankuzu town, as troops continue follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the remnants of his criminal network.
A Major Blow to a Feared Bandit Network
Kachalla Iliya Sarki had long been regarded as one of the most feared bandit commanders in the North-West, with alleged links to a string of deadly attacks, mass abductions, cattle rustling operations, and cross-border raids across Zamfara and Katsina States.
Security sources also revealed that just four days before his death, the slain commander had travelled to Kano State to rustle livestock, highlighting the expansive operational reach of the gang.
His death is expected to significantly weaken the command structure of Ado Allero’s network, particularly in the tri-border axis connecting Zamfara, Katsina, and Kano, where the group has maintained influence for years.
“This is a major operational success. The death of Iliya Sarki will significantly disrupt command and control structures within the group,” a security analyst said.
Fears of Retaliation
While the operation has been widely hailed as a major tactical success, security insiders are warning that the killing of Ado Allero’s son and key lieutenants could trigger retaliatory attacks against vulnerable communities in the region.
Sources noted that the notorious bandit leader may attempt to regroup and launch revenge attacks, prompting troops to sustain heightened vigilance across flashpoints in the North-West.
“This is a major operational success, but we must also anticipate possible revenge attacks. That is why troops are maintaining heightened vigilance across vulnerable communities,” a security source said.
Renewed Momentum Against Banditry
The latest offensive underscores the increasing intensity of joint military operations in Zamfara and adjoining states, where troops have continued to target known bandit enclaves through coordinated ground assaults and air interdiction missions.
For residents of communities long terrorised by armed groups, the killing of Kachalla Iliya Sarki and dozens of fighters offers a rare sign of progress in the prolonged battle to restore security in the North-West.
Even so, analysts say the coming days will be critical, as security forces move to consolidate gains and prevent surviving elements of the network from regrouping.
Source: Zagazola Makama
