Ado Aleiro Loses Son, Eight Family Members, 30 Motorcycles in Katsina Encounter

By Zagazola Makama

Notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro has reportedly suffered a major setback following the loss of his son, eight other family members and about 30 motorcycles during a recent encounter at Doma village in Katsina State.

Intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama indicated that the losses have significantly weakened the operational strength and mobility of Aleiro’s criminal syndicate.

According to the intelligence report dated Aug. 9, all the estimated 30 motorcycles deployed by the syndicate during the encounter reportedly failed to return, with their occupants said to have been neutralised.

The report further stated that Aleiro lost his son and eight other members of his family during the encounter.

The development is considered a significant blow to the bandit leader, particularly because motorcycles remain critical to the mobility, communication and operational activities of criminal gangs operating across the North-West.

Following the reported losses, intelligence indicated that Aleiro was, as of 3:51 p.m. on Sunday, moving alone on a motorcycle around Sakya Dutse, Higi and Asaula areas.

Sources said his movement was being monitored amid efforts to establish his next destination and assess the condition of his remaining network.

Further intelligence also indicated that the bandit leader was concerned about the vulnerability of a proposed location for his illegal mining activities at Gidan Buhari, under Chadiya Ward in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Aleiro was reportedly apprehensive that the location could come under attack by Yansakai operating from Tsafe town.

The concern is believed to be linked to the weakening of his syndicate following the reported losses in Katsina and the possible exposure of his remaining operational networks.

Security sources said the latest development could provide security agencies with an opportunity to intensify pressure on the weakened syndicate and prevent the regrouping of surviving members.

The reported destruction of the motorcycles is particularly significant as it could limit the gang’s ability to conduct rapid movements, launch attacks, transport supplies and evade pursuing security forces across difficult terrain.

The latest setback comes amid sustained military and security operations against bandit groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states under Operation FANSAN YANMA.

Security agencies are expected to maintain surveillance of Aleiro’s movements while assessing the extent of the losses suffered by his network.

Authorities have also been advised to strengthen coordination among troops and other relevant security agencies in the affected areas, particularly around Tsafe and other locations where the syndicate may attempt to regroup.

Ado Aleiro Loses Son, Eight Family Members, 30 Motorcycles in Katsina Encounter

Troops Intercept 55 Cows, Arrest 13-Year-Old Herder Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have intercepted 55 cows allegedly found grazing on a farm belonging to a resident, Mr Yusuf John, at Miango in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a security source who briefed Zagazola Makama, the troops responded to a distress report on alleged destruction of the farm at about 5:20 p.m. on Aug. 8.

The source said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found the 55 cows grazing on the farm, while the herder reportedly fled after sighting the security personnel.

The livestock were subsequently moved to a safe location for necessary action.

In a related incident, the troops also responded to a report of alleged destruction of a farm belonging to Mr John Isaiah at Jebbu Miango, also in Bassa LGA.

The troops, upon arrival at the location, arrested a 13-year-old herder identified as Ibrahim in connection with the incident.

The suspect was taken into custody for further action, while investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged destruction of the farm.

The incidents come amid continuing efforts by security agencies in Plateau State to prevent clashes between farmers and herders and address criminal activities associated with disputes over farmland and grazing.

Troops Intercept 55 Cows, Arrest 13-Year-Old Herder Over Alleged Farm Destruction in Plateau

Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer, Neutralise Kidnapper in Edo

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security personnel, have rescued a 50-year-old farmer kidnapped from his farm in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victim, identified as Mr Lucky Egbiki, was kidnapped from his farm at Okehussan, Ubiaja, on Aug. 6.

Following a tip-off on the abduction, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Udomi, in conjunction with Keystone, planned and executed a covert rescue operation.

According to a military source, the troops exploited negotiations over ransom payment to lure the kidnappers into a rendezvous at Onogholo, in Esan South-East LGA.

The troops subsequently engaged the kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of one kidnapper, while others fled the scene with possible gunshot wounds.

During the operation, the troops successfully rescued Egbiki and recovered ₦1.5 million reportedly meant for ransom payment.

The troops expended four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the encounter.

The rescued victim and recovered cash were subsequently handed over to his family.

The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt kidnapping networks and rescue victims across Edo State.

Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer, Neutralise Kidnapper in Edo