The reported killing of a notorious forest bandit commander known as Alti has heightened tensions among armed groups operating across Zamfara and Katsina states, amid ongoing rivalries shaping bandit activities in Nigeria’s North-West.
According to a report by security analyst Zagozola Makama, security sources and local informants said Alti, who operated mainly in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was killed recently in Katsina State during what is believed to have been a coordinated ambush by rival fighters and later ambushed by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Alti had risen to prominence among bandit factions after the death of another notorious commander known as Dan Isihu, who was killed about a year ago during the Islamic fasting period.
Following Dan Isihu’s death, Alti reportedly took over leadership of the faction and vowed to intensify violent operations across several rural communities.
He was also said to be related to the infamous bandit kingpin Ado Aleiro, one of the most prominent figures in the Zamfara bandit networks.
Sources described Alti as one of the most feared commanders in Tsafe LGA, blamed for repeated attacks on communities including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo, and Hayin Kanggana, among others. Beyond routine bandit assaults, he was also linked to the growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by criminal groups in the region.
Local sources alleged that he recently travelled to Libya, where he reportedly acquired explosive devices which he later deployed along the Zaria–Gusau highway. One such device was said to have detonated against a truck transporting cement, causing panic among motorists and allowing the bandit group to abduct several travellers during the confusion.
The use of such tactics reflects a troubling shift in the methods employed by bandit groups in the North-West, increasingly resembling insurgent-style warfare.
According to intelligence sources, Alti’s death followed an ambush in which he and members of his group were lured by a rival faction believed to be linked to another notorious bandit commander known as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
The confrontation reportedly led to multiple casualties among Alti’s fighters. Again, on the same day, troops ambushed and neutralized more fighters after engaging with the Alti group.
The incident has further escalated tensions among armed groups operating in forest areas spanning Zamfara and Katsina states, with reports indicating that Alti’s relative, Ado Aleiro, has already launched reprisals.
Sources said Aleiro’s fighters allegedly killed the father of Kwashen Garwa in what appeared to be a retaliatory attack. The tit-for-tat violence signals a growing internal conflict among bandit groups competing for territory, influence, and access to criminal networks.
Despite Alti’s death, several fighters previously under his command are believed to remain active in the forests around Tsafe. Among them is a commander identified as Umar Kachalla, who sources say has continued to operate with remnants of the group.
Another bandit figure known as Babalo, who had long been associated with criminal activities in the region, was also reportedly killed recently after sustaining injuries during a confrontation with security forces. According to local sources, Babalo had been receiving treatment for a gunshot wound in Marde area after being injured during an earlier clash.
However, troops reportedly tracked him to the location and killed him along with four associates.
Residents of several communities in Tsafe LGA say the deaths of key bandit leaders have brought a measure of relief after years of violent attacks, kidnappings, and extortion.
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