In a major offensive against the activities of bandits, troops of Operation Fansan Yanma hit a notorious bandit leader, Ado Alero’s camp, in Tsafe local government area of Zamfara state, killing several fighters including Alero’s son – Kachalla Iliya Sarki.
A conservative estimation by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, put the number of those killed at 65, with several others sustaining varying degree of injuries.
Quoting ‘credible security sources’, a prominent Nigerian counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, said the operation, which took place at Munhaye village behind Kunchin Kalgo, dealt a devastating blow to the terrorists long associated with deadly attacks across Zamfara, Katsina and parts of Kano state.
The sources, according to him, said the intense battle commenced at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and lasted for over seven hours, as troops engaged the bandits in a fierce exchange of fire, supported by precision airstrikes that decimated their positions.
According to the sources, Allero had mobilised heavily armed fighters for the confrontation, deploying an estimated 300 motorcycles of fighters from Yan Wari axis in what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to repel advancing troops.
Other fighters were deployed from the camp of Dankarami Gwaska and deployed as reinforcements against the troops.
“However, the superior firepower and tactical coordination of the troops overwhelmed the terrorists, leading to heavy casualties on their side,” one of the sources said.
Among those killed, the sources confirmed, were Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a key commander and operational leader within Ado Allero’s network, alongside other lieutenants identified as Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.
“Iliya Mai Rasha was said to have taken over leadership responsibilities following the recent killing of another commander, Alti, last month,” the source added.
The sources further disclosed that seven vigilantes fighting alongside the troops paid the supreme price during the encounter.
In the aftermath of the operation, Ado Allero was said to have fled the area and is currently in hiding at Yankuzu town, as troops continue pursuit operations to dismantle the remnants of his group.
Sarki, described as one of the most vicious and feared bandit commanders in the North-West, had been linked to a series of deadly attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling activities across Katsina and Zamfara states.
He was reportedly arrested in Katsina at some point during the administration of former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, but later released following a dramatic incident in which his father allegedly orchestrated the abduction of senior police officers to force negotiations.
Security sources also revealed that the slain commander had, just four days prior to his death, travelled to Kano to rustle livestock, pointing to the trans-state operational reach of the criminal network.
…Sarki’s elimination setback – Analyst
His elimination marks a significant setback for banditry operations in the North-West, particularly in the tri-border region linking Zamfara, Katsina and Kano states.
“This is a major operational success. The death of Iliya Sarki will significantly disrupt command and control structures within the group,” a security analyst said.
However, security sources warned that the development may trigger retaliatory actions, noting that Allero is likely to mobilise his fighters for reprisal in response to the killing of his son and key lieutenants.
“This is a major operational success, but we must also anticipate possible revenge attacks. That is why troops are maintaining heightened vigilance across vulnerable communities,” a security source said.
…31 rescued Kaduna worshippers
In yet another positive development, troops of the Nigerian Army foiled a terrorist attack and rescued 31 abducted worshippers following an Easter service incident in Ariko village in Kachia local government area of Kaduna state.
The Army said the operation was launched after a distress call reported that terrorists had stormed a church during Easter service and abducted several worshippers.
According to a statement posted on the Army’s official X handle, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and, with support from local residents, pursued the fleeing attackers.
The troops reportedly engaged the assailants in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention.
However, the Army said five persons were killed by the attackers, adding that their remains were recovered at the scene.
“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon the hostages,” the statement said, noting that the fleeing attackers were believed to have sustained casualties as indicated by blood trails along their escape routes.
It added that troops have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators and rescue any remaining captives.
The Army also disclosed that additional personnel had been deployed to the area to strengthen security and prevent further attacks.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the military urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The criminal elements had targeted the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, both located in Ariko district, during which religious activities were disrupted and residents fleeing in different directions for safety.
Confirming the attack, the councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, said preliminary reports indicated that between seven and eight people may have been killed, though the figures were yet to be fully confirmed.
He said: “The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed and many others were taken away into the bush.”
… Mbalom attack leaves 17 dead, scores missing
In an Easter tragedy, however, not less than 17 bodies have so far been recovered, with many more residents reported missing as suspected armed herdsmen Sunday launched a deadly assault on Mbalom in Gwer East local government area of Benue state
Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation, with numerous houses destroyed and thousands of displaced villagers fleeing to nearby communities, noting that the number of casualties is expected to rise.
a resident of the area, Terseer Ngutor, said the survivors are currently taking refuge at Ikpayongo in Mbasombo Council Ward and Ayar in Mbalom Council Ward while the injured are receiving treatment at hospitals across the state.
He named some of the victims killed in the incident to include Zawua Timothy Gbasha, Akenawe Oraduen David (aka Igyoi), Binta Aondoakaa, Binta Asunda, Chenkele – Ayange Gbogbo (aka Area Fada), Suega Adee (aka Usman), Ajam Ageli, Spaco (aka Insexy) among others.
He said some youths have gone into bushes to search the surrounding areas for missing persons
In a press statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric” and “a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state.”
The governor expressed deep sympathy to the families affected and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He noted with concern the recurring pattern of targeted attacks in parts of Benue, vowing that such acts of terror would not be allowed to thrive.
Governor Alia commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their swift response, urging them to intensify operations to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
He assured residents that measures are being taken to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and restore peace.
Calling for calm, vigilance, and cooperation, the governor encouraged citizens to support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
…Nigeria will rise again – CAN
And in the midst of the seeming challenge, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying te current socio-economic and security challenges besetting the nation will soon be a thing of the past.
Giving the assurance in his Easter message Sunday in Abuja, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said that the resurrection of Jesus Christ served as a timeless reminder that “rising again is always possible” irrespective of the challenges.
The essence of Easter, he said, lies in hope returning when it seems lost and the emergence of new beginnings after difficult periods.
Okoh said: “Across the country, people are weary. Families are anxious. Many do not feel safe; others are struggling just to get by. For some, hope has grown faint.
“But Easter tells us this is not the end. We do not have to remain where we are. We can rise, rebuild, and move forward, together.”
While calling on those in positions of authority to live up to their words, the cleric said the current situation is a “test of purpose” for the nation’s leaders. “People must feel leadership, not just hear it. They are looking for action, for empathy, for visible efforts to improve their lives. That is how a nation begins to rise,” he said.
On the role of the Church, Okoh challenged religious bodies to stand firm as pillars of support for the struggling and to offer clear direction during uncertain times.
He further urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear or division, urging them to resist elements intent on destabilising the country through solidarity and shared belief.
He said: “Hard times can divide, but they can also unite. If we choose unity over suspicion and look out for one another, change becomes not just possible, but certain.
“Easter is more than a celebration; it is a decision to rise above our differences, to stand together, and to confront what holds us back,” Okoh added.
He wished Nigerians a happy Easter, and prayed for the continued progress of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.(Additiona reports from zagazola makama and NAN).
