Nigerian troops have killed at least 65 suspected bandits, including the son of a wanted terrorist kingpin, during a major military operation in Zamfara State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the operation involved a coordinated ground and air assault in Tsafe LGA, specifically around Munhaye village behind Kunchin Kalgo.
Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, identified as the son of notorious bandit leader Ado Allero, who remains on security watchlists for multiple violent crimes across the north-west.
Security sources said the clash began around 6pm and lasted over seven hours, with troops engaging heavily armed fighters backed by precision airstrikes that destroyed several bandit positions.
The report noted that Ado Allero had mobilised hundreds of fighters—reportedly moving on about 300 motorcycles—from different camps to confront advancing troops, indicating the scale of the confrontation.
Other bandit commanders, including Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, were also killed during the operation. However, seven vigilantes supporting the troops lost their lives in the intense battle.
Following the offensive, Ado Allero is said to have fled and is currently in hiding, while troops continue pursuit operations in the area.
Security sources warned that the killing of the kingpin’s son and other commanders could trigger retaliatory attacks, as remaining fighters may regroup in response to the heavy losses.
