Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in a coordinated ground and air offensive, have neutralised no fewer than 65 bandits, including a notorious kingpin, Kachalla Iliya Sarki, son of wanted bandit leader Ado Allero, during a major operation in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Credible security sources told Akelicious that the operation, which took place at Munhaye village behind Kunchin Kalgo, dealt a devastating blow to the terrorists long associated with deadly attacks across Zamfara, Katsina and parts of Kano State.

The sources said the intense battle commenced at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for over seven hours, as troops engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire, supported by precision airstrikes that decimated their positions.

According to the sources, the bandits kingpin Alhaji Ado Allero, had mobilised heavily armed fighters for the confrontation, deploying an estimated 300 motorcycles of fighters from Yan Wari axis in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to repel advancing troops. Other fighters were deployed from the camp of Dankarami Gwaska and deployed as reinforcements against the troops.

“However, the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, leading to heavy casualties on their side,” one of the sources said.

Among those killed, the sources confirmed, were Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a key commander and operational leader within Ado Allero’s network, alongside other lieutenants identified as Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.

“Iliya Mai Rasha was said to have taken over leadership responsibilities following the recent killing of another commander, Alti, last month,” the source added.

The sources further disclosed that seven vigilantes fighting alongside the troops paid the supreme price during the encounter.

In the aftermath of the operation, Ado Allero was said to have fled the area and is currently in hiding at Yankuzu twon, as troops continue pursuit operations to dismantle the remnants of his group.

Kachalla Iliya Sarki, described as one of the most vicious and feared bandit commanders in the North-West, had been linked to a series of deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling activities across Katsina and Zamfara States.

He was reportedly arrested in Katsina at some point during the administration of former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, but was later released following a dramatic incident in which his father allegedly orchestrated the abduction of senior police officers to force negotiations.

Security sources also revealed that the slain commander had, just four days prior to his death, travelled to Kano to rustle livestock, pointing to the trans-state operational reach of the criminal network.

His elimination marks a significant setback for banditry operations in the North-West, particularly in the tri-border region linking Zamfara, Katsina and Kano States.

“This is a major operational success. The death of Iliya Sarki will significantly disrupt command and control structures within the group,” a security analyst said.

However, security sources warned that the development may trigger retaliatory actions, noting that Ado Allero is likely to mobilise his fighters for reprisal attacks in response to the killing of his son and key lieutenants.

“This is a major operational success, but we must also anticipate possible revenge attacks. That is why troops are maintaining heightened vigilance across vulnerable communities,” a security source said.

The battle continues as exploitation by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA continues as at the time of filling this report.

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