A fierce counter offensive by security forces in Zamfara State has resulted in the killing of more than 30 bandits, including two notorious kingpins, Kachalla Iliya Sarki and Dogo Bete.
According to security sources, the confrontation began late Saturday evening when bandits launched an attack against members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) popularly know as “Yan Maiduguri” in Kunchin Kalgo Village, Tsafe Local Government Area. In response, a joint security team swiftly mobilized reinforcements to support the embattled CJTF operatives, leading to an intense gun battle.
“We overpowered them due to superior firepower and pursued them into Munhaye forest, where over 30 bandits were neutralized,” a security operative disclosed. Among those killed was Kachalla Iliya Sarki, reportedly the son of infamous bandit leader Ado Aleiro, alongside another prominent figure, Dogo Bete.
Despite the operational success, the encounter came at a heavy cost. Local sources confirmed that more than 10 CJTF members lost their lives during the clash, while several others remain unaccounted for, revealing the ongoing risks faced by local vigilante groups supporting formal security forces.
In a related incident on Sunday afternoon, CJTF operatives engaged bandits in Kungurki Village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area. Two bandits were reportedly killed in the clash, with one of them beheaded.
The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Muhammad Bello, confirmed the development, stating that special forces had been deployed to restore calm, with normalcy returning to the area.
Zamfara State has endured over a decade of violent attacks by armed groups, resulting in widespread loss of life, destruction of property worth billions of naira, and the payment of huge ransoms. While security operations have recorded periodic successes, residents continue to express concern over the persistence of the crisis, urging authorities to adopt more decisive and lasting measures to end the menace.
More Victory ya Allah, kudos to the securities.
