Fresh tensions have erupted among armed bandit groups operating across Zamfara and Katsina States following the reported killing of a notorious forest commander identified as Alti.
Security and local sources disclosed that Alti, who operated largely in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was recently killed in Katsina during a violent encounter believed to have begun with an ambush by rival fighters before troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA engaged the group in a separate clash.
The slain warlord reportedly rose to prominence after the death of another feared bandit leader, Dan Isihu, who was killed about a year ago during the Ramadan period. After taking over the faction, Alti allegedly vowed to expand attacks across rural communities in the region.
Sources described him as one of the most dreaded commanders in Tsafe, linking him to repeated attacks on communities such as Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo and Hayin Kanggana. He was also accused of introducing the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in bandit operations within the area.
Local intelligence indicated that Alti had recently travelled to Libya where he allegedly acquired explosive materials later used along the Zaria–Gusau highway. One such device reportedly detonated near a truck carrying cement, causing panic among motorists and enabling gunmen to abduct several travellers.
Security analysts say the growing use of such tactics signals a dangerous shift in banditry in the North-West, drawing parallels with insurgent-style warfare.
Further intelligence reports suggested that Alti and his fighters were initially lured into an ambush by a rival faction believed to be loyal to another notorious commander, Isiya Kwashen Garwa. The confrontation reportedly resulted in several casualties among Alti’s men before security forces struck again, killing additional fighters.
The killing has since ignited reprisals among rival groups in the forests spanning Zamfara and Katsina. Sources alleged that fighters loyal to Alti’s relative, the infamous bandit kingpin Ado Aleiro, carried out a retaliatory attack that left the father of Kwashen Garwa dead.
Despite Alti’s death, security sources warn that several fighters from his faction remain active in forest enclaves around Tsafe. One commander identified as Umar Kachalla is said to have regrouped with remnants of the faction.
Meanwhile, another notorious figure known as Babalo was also reportedly killed recently after troops tracked him to the Marde area where he had been receiving treatment for a gunshot wound sustained in an earlier clash. Four of his associates were said to have been eliminated during the operation.
Residents in several Tsafe communities say the deaths of key bandit leaders have brought temporary relief after years of attacks, kidnappings and extortion.
Security observers, however, caution that the fragmented nature of bandit groups in the North-West means new leaders could quickly emerge unless sustained military pressure is maintained.
Nevertheless, the elimination of commanders like Alti is seen as a significant disruption to criminal networks and a potential turning point in ongoing efforts to weaken bandit strongholds across the region.
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