Notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro narrowly escaped a deadly onslaught by Nigerian troops of Operation Fansan Yanma in Danjibga Forest, located in Munhaye Forest of Southern Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counter-terrorism and insurgency expert, the military operation targeted Aleiro and his cohorts, who are responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings across the region.
The source said the troops launched a coordinated offensive against the hideout, inflicting heavy casualties on the bandits. However, Aleiro reportedly evaded capture during the raid.
“The operation dealt a significant blow to the bandits, but unfortunately, Ado Aleiro managed to escape,” the source disclosed, adding that efforts to track him down are ongoing.
Aleiro, a high-profile criminal, has been a key figure in the banditry crisis plaguing Zamfara and neighboring states. He is alleged to have masterminded several attacks, including those on communities, travelers, and security personnel.
Special Forces have intensified their operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina State, particularly in forests and hideouts known to harbor bandit groups, in an effort to dismantle their networks and restore peace to the North Western region.
