A major counter-offensive by security operatives in Zamfara State has led to the killing of more than 30 bandits, including two feared kingpins, Kachalla Iliya Sarki and Dogo Bete.
Security sources said the clash began late Saturday when armed bandits attacked members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), popularly known as “Yan Maiduguri,” in Kunchin Kalgo village in Tsafe Local Government Area.
In response, a joint security team quickly deployed reinforcements to support the CJTF, triggering a prolonged and intense gun battle.
An operative involved in the mission disclosed that security forces gained the upper hand due to superior firepower, forcing the bandits to retreat into the Munhaye forest, where over 30 of them were neutralized.
Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, reportedly a son of notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro, as well as another prominent figure, Dogo Bete.
CJTF losses
Despite the success, the operation recorded significant losses. Local sources confirmed that more than 10 CJTF members were killed during the confrontation while several others are still missing.
In a separate incident on Sunday afternoon, CJTF operatives engaged another group of bandits in Kungurki village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Two bandits were reportedly killed in the encounter, one of whom was beheaded.
The Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, confirmed the developments.
He noted that special forces had been deployed to restore order, with calm gradually returning to the affected areas.
Zamfara has faced more than a decade of persistent attacks by armed groups, leading to heavy casualties, widespread destruction, and large ransom payments.
Although security operations have achieved periodic gains, residents continue to call for more decisive and lasting solutions to end the prolonged crisis.
