According to security officials and local informants, the alleged murder of Alti, a well-known forest bandit commander, has spurred new competition and retaliation among armed groups operating throughout Zamfara and Katsina states.
Alti, who mostly operated in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area, was reportedly slain recently in Katsina State after being tricked into an ambush by rival militants prior to the group being engaged by forces from Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“A rival faction constructed a trap that attracted Alti and his soldiers. Before forces eventually confronted the group in the area, a number of his militants were killed during the clash, according to a security source acquainted with the development.
According to Zagazola Makama, the bandit commander gained notoriety after another notorious leader, Dan Isihu, was assassinated during the Islamic fasting period almost a year ago.
Alti is said to have taken over the group after Dan Isihu’s passing and promised to step up attacks on the area’s rural villages.
According to security sources, Alti was connected to several attacks on communities, including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo, and Hayin Kanggana, and was greatly dreaded throughout Tsafe LGA.
In such communities, he was accountable for multiple raids, kidnappings, and extortions. According to a local insider, “his group had grown to be one of the most violent factions operating around Tsafe.”
Authorities further connected the organization to the growing North-West bandit groups’ use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Local intelligence claims that Alti recently traveled to Libya, where he allegedly purchased explosives that were subsequently used along the Zaria–Gusau route.
“Along the roadway, one of the bombs detonated close to a cement truck. According to the source, “the explosion caused panic among drivers, allowing the bandits to abduct travelers during the confusion.”
According to security professionals, the employment of IEDs by bandit organizations is a concerning change in strategy that reflects techniques frequently used in guerrilla warfare.
Further investigations reveal that a competing party connected to another bandit chief, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, allegedly planned the ambush that resulted in Alti’s death.
Since then, the competing groups have launched attacks in retaliation for the killing.
According to sources, Kwashen Garwa’s father was allegedly killed in a retaliatory attack by warriors loyal to Ado Aleiro, the infamous bandit lord who is thought to be related to Alti.
According to a security officer, “the murder seems to be part of a revenge cycle between the rival groups competing for control of territories and criminal routes across the Zamfara–Katsina forest belt.”
It is thought that a number of fighters who served under Alti are still active in the forests around Tsafe despite his passing.
According to reports, one of them, Umar Kachalla, is in charge of organizing the faction’s remaining members.
In the meantime, Babalo, another bandit leader, was also recently slain after being hurt in an altercation with security personnel.
According to local sources, Babalo was being treated in the Marde area for a gunshot wound he sustained during a previous altercation.
However, he and four of his colleagues were reportedly slain by military after they tracked him to the site.
After years of brutal attacks, kidnappings, and extortion, residents in a number of communities throughout Tsafe LGA claim that the deaths of important bandit commanders have brought a sense of relief.
“People are starting to feel some relief for the first time in a long time,” a member of one impacted village stated. “However, the fear has not entirely subsided because many of these fighters are still in the forests.”
