By Gloria Drealomalicha
Notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro has suffered a major setback after his son and eight other members of his family were reportedly killed during a recent encounter in Doma village, Katsina State.
The clash also resulted in the loss of about 30 motorcycles belonging to the criminal network, further weakening its mobility and operational capacity across the North-West.
Counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development, citing intelligence available to him.
According to an intelligence report dated August 9, the bandits deployed an estimated 30 motorcycles during the encounter, but none reportedly returned.
The riders were said to have been neutralised during the confrontation.
Among those reportedly killed were Aleiro’s son and eight other members of his family, dealing a personal and operational blow to the bandit leader.
The loss of the motorcycles is also considered significant because they are widely used by criminal groups operating across the North-West to move fighters, transport supplies, maintain communication and escape security operations.
The intelligence report indicated that Aleiro’s movement had subsequently become more restricted.
At about 3:51pm on Sunday, the bandit leader was reportedly sighted travelling alone on a motorcycle around the Sakya Dutse, Higi and Asaula areas.
His movements were said to be under surveillance by security sources.
Aleiro was also reportedly worried about the vulnerability of a proposed location for his illegal mining activities at Gidan Buhari, Chadiya Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the intelligence, the bandit leader feared that the site could be attacked by Yansakai operating from Tsafe town.
Security sources said the latest losses could provide an opportunity for security agencies to intensify operations against the weakened network and prevent its surviving members from regrouping.
The reported setback comes as the military continues its offensive against bandit groups in Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
The operation is aimed at disrupting criminal networks, degrading their operational capabilities and restoring security across communities affected by banditry.
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