More than 30 bandits, including two wanted kingpins, have been killed during a series of clashes with security operatives in northwestern Zamfara State, according to security sources.
The confrontation began late Saturday when suspected bandits attacked members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), also known as “Yan Maiduguri,” in Kunchin Kalgo village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
Security forces, backed by a joint team of operatives, were deployed to support the vigilantes, leading to a fierce gun battle. Officials said the troops overpowered the attackers and pursued them into the Munhaye forest, where more than 30 were killed.
Among those reported killed were two notorious bandit leaders, Kachalla Illiya Sarki and Dogo Sule. Another figure, Iliya Mai Rasha, who recently assumed a leadership role following the death of a commander, was also said to have been neutralized.
Security sources said fighters linked to Ado Allero — a wanted bandit leader — mobilized in large numbers on motorcycles in an attempt to repel advancing troops. Allero is believed to have fled the area and is currently in hiding as security forces continue pursuit operations.
Allero has been linked to multiple kidnappings, cattle rustling and violent attacks across the region. He was previously arrested in neighboring Katsina State but was later released under controversial circumstances following the reported abduction of senior police officers.
Local sources said more than 10 CJTF members were killed during the initial attack, with several others still unaccounted for, underscoring the risks faced by vigilante groups supporting formal security operations.
Authorities warned that the killing of senior bandit commanders could trigger retaliatory attacks, raising concerns that fleeing fighters may regroup.
In a related incident on Sunday, CJTF operatives clashed with bandits in Kungurki village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where two suspects were killed.
Zamfara State Police Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello confirmed the operations, saying special forces had been deployed to restore calm, and normalcy had returned to affected areas.
Zamfara has faced more than a decade of violence by armed groups, resulting in widespread deaths, destruction of property and large ransom payments. Despite periodic military successes, residents continue to call for more decisive action to end the persistent insecurity.
