Security operatives have reportedly neutralised more than 30 bandits, including two wanted kingpins, Kachalla Illiya Sarki and Dogo, during coordinated operations in Zamfara State.
Gatekeepers News reports that the confrontation began late Saturday when armed bandits attacked members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), popularly known as “Yan Maiduguri,” in Kunchin Kalgo village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
Security sources said a joint task force swiftly mobilised reinforcements to support the embattled CJTF operatives, triggering what was described as a fierce “fire-for-fire” exchange.
“We overpowered them due to superior firepower and pursued them into Munhaye forest, where over 30 bandits were neutralized,” a security operative said.
The source described Sarki as one of the most wanted bandit leaders in the north-west, allegedly linked to the killing of several high-profile individuals. Other figures mentioned include Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, who reportedly assumed leadership roles following the death of another commander.
It was further gathered that the son of notorious bandit leader Ado Allero mobilised hundreds of fighters on motorcycles in a bid to repel advancing troops. However, following the raid, Allero reportedly fled and is believed to be in hiding as security forces continue pursuit operations.
According to sources, Allero has been linked to multiple kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent attacks across the region. He was previously arrested in Katsina State but was later released under controversial circumstances after the reported abduction of senior police officers.
Local sources said the clash came at a heavy cost, with more than 10 CJTF members reportedly killed, while several others remain unaccounted for—highlighting the risks faced by vigilante groups supporting formal security forces.
Security operatives warned that the killing of Sarki and other senior commanders could provoke retaliatory attacks, raising fears that fleeing fighters may regroup.
In a related development, CJTF operatives engaged bandits in Kungurki village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, on Sunday afternoon, where two bandits were reportedly killed, one of them beheaded.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, confirmed the incidents, stating that special forces had been deployed to restore calm, with normalcy gradually returning to affected areas.
Zamfara State has endured over a decade of violent attacks by armed groups, leading to significant loss of life, widespread destruction, and the payment of huge ransoms.
Despite periodic gains by security forces, residents continue to express concern over the persistent insecurity, urging authorities to implement more decisive and lasting measures to end the crisis.
