In Katsina State, reports say that infamous bandit chief, Ado Aleru, and his son were reportedly killed and eight of his family died during a conflict, while 30 motorbikes suspected of aiding the bandit group was also destroyed.
The reported casualties come on top of a growing strain to Aleru’s network as the Nigerian security forces ramp-up their operations against the actions of the armed groups in the North-West.
Katsina State, and neighbouring Zamfara State, is experiencing insecurity and Aleru, or Ado Aliero, is one of the bandit commanders there. He has been connected to a network of armed butchers who move their groups mostly on motorcycles and are able to circuit great distances through difficult terrain in rural areas.
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The loss of his son comes after another military raid on Aleru’s camp in Zamfara last year. According to security sources, one of the key operational commanders in Aleru’s network, Kachalla Iliya Sarki, son of Aleru, died when he was engaged in a prolonged firefight with military forces in that operation. Hundreds of armed men were mobilised on motorcycles with airstrikes and made up the battle, reports said.
The current report however, did not find any independent back-up from an official statement by the Nigerian Army or Defence Headquarters in sources reviewed. The numbers of reported motorcycles (30) and family members (8) are therefore a reported casualty and loss pending official confirmation.
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The development, however, shows that the military campaign against bandit networks in the region remains very active. Ground attacks, intelligence and air support have been joined more frequently in recent years to neutralise the armed group violence towards both the camps and the movement of the insurgents.
The historic influence of Aleru has spread over a part of the areas of Katsina and Zamfara. His name became a household name at the national level in 2022, when he was controversially given a traditional title in Zamfara, the incident launched a national outcry and his Emir was suspended.
The overall security situation is very bleak and is entrenched. Tens of thousands of armed men are believed to roam through the North-West, in small and disconnected groups in most cases rather than one single chain of command.
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Sustained military action to depose bandit leaders will be critical to communities in Katsina and Zamfara, though as the groups break apart, the death of one leader doesn’t necessarily mark the end of the bandit problem. Fighters can join in regrouping, moving or joining another criminal group.
The death toll among Aleru’s family and associates may be a blow to his operation, but if security agencies make the best of the disruption, and identify remaining commanders and continue to crack codes, they will be able to either neutralize camps and prevent groups from regaining their operational capability or at least cause them temporary operational difficulties.
