Troops Kill Over 30 Bandits, Top Commanders in Zamfara Operation

Nigerian security forces have reportedly killed more than 30 bandits, including two notorious kingpins, Kachalla Illiya Sarki and Dogo, during a major operation in Zamfara State.

The clash began late Saturday when armed bandits attacked members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), also known as “Yan Maiduguri,” in Kunchin Kalgo village, Tsafe Local Government Area. In response, a joint security team quickly mobilised reinforcements to support the local vigilantes.

Security sources said the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce confrontation and eventually overpowered them with superior firepower. The fleeing bandits were pursued into the Munhaye forest, where over 30 were killed.

Among those reportedly eliminated were high-profile commanders, including Sarki—described as one of the most wanted bandit leaders in the North-West—alongside Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha, who had recently taken over leadership roles after the death of another commander.

The operation also triggered a counter-move by fighters believed to be loyal to Ado Allero, a wanted bandit leader. His son was said to have mobilised hundreds of armed men on motorcycles in an attempt to resist the advancing troops. However, Allero reportedly fled the area and is currently in hiding, as security forces continue search operations.

Despite the success, the encounter came at a heavy cost. Local sources revealed that more than 10 CJTF members lost their lives during the initial attack, while several others are still missing.

Security officials have warned that the killing of top commanders could provoke retaliatory attacks, as fleeing bandits may regroup.

In a related development on Sunday, CJTF operatives engaged another group of bandits in Kungurki village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, where two bandits were reportedly killed.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, confirmed the incidents, noting that special forces have been deployed to restore order, with calm gradually returning to affected communities.

Zamfara has faced over a decade of persistent banditry, marked by killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and widespread destruction of property. While security operations have recorded some successes, residents continue to call for more decisive and lasting solutions to end the ongoing crisis.