Troops from Operation Fansan Yanma carried out a significant raid on the camp of the notorious bandit leader Ado Alero in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operation resulted in the deaths of several fighters, including the leader’s son.
Capt. David Adewusi, spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yanma, confirmed to a reporter via telephone on Sunday that the raid occurred on Saturday. He said the troops launched a “heavy assault on the camp,” causing substantial 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,” Adewusi stated.
He noted, however, that the exact number of casualties has 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.
A report on the Nigerian Armed Forces and Military News Facebook page claimed that at least 65 fighters were killed, including Kachalla Iliya Sarki, the biological son of Ado Alero. Other senior figures reportedly killed included Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.
According to the report, Alero had mobilised about 300 motorcycle-riding fighters and reinforcements from allied groups but was overwhelmed by superior military firepower, including precision airstrikes. Seven vigilantes supporting the troops also lost their lives in the encounter.
The report highlighted that the death of Iliya Sarki, described as a commander involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling across several states, could weaken the bandit group’s structure. Ado Alero is believed to have fled toward Yankuzo town, while troops intensified efforts to track down fleeing members and prevent possible reprisal attacks on local communities.
Security operatives reportedly maintained heightened vigilance in the surrounding areas as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle remaining cells linked to the bandit leader.
