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Death of Zamfara bandit commander Alti sparks rivalry among armed groups in North-West

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Death of Zamfara bandit commander Alti sparks rivalry among armed groups in North-West

By: Zagazola Makama

The reported death of a notorious forest bandit commander known as Alti has triggered fresh tensions among armed groups operating across Zamfara and Katsina States, following volatile internal rivalries shaping banditry in Nigeria’s North-West.

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 emerged as a prominent bandit leader following 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 assumed leadership of the faction and vowed to expand the group’s 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, responsible for repeated attacks on villages including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo, and Hayin Kanggana, among others. Beyond conventional bandit attacks, Alti was also linked to the increasing 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, creating panic among motorists and enabling the bandit group to abduct several travellers during the chaos.

The adoption of such tactics marks a dangerous shift in the operational methods of bandit groups in the North-West, bringing them closer to insurgent-style warfare.

According to intelligence sources, Alti’s death occurred after he and members of his group were lured into an ambush by a rival faction believed to be linked to another notorious bandit commander known as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

The clash reportedly resulted in multiple casualties among Alti’s fighters. Again, on the same day, troops ambushed and neutralized more fighters after engaging with the Alti group.

The development has intensified tensions among armed groups in the forests straddling Zamfara and Katsina, with reports suggesting 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.

While security agencies continue operations to dismantle the criminal networks, locals say the elimination of influential commanders has significantly disrupted bandit activities in parts of the area. However, the fragmented structure of bandit groups means new leaders could quickly emerge to fill the vacuum.

Nonetheless, the deaths of figures like Alti represent a critical opportunity for security forces to intensify pressure on remaining armed groups and consolidate gains in the fight against banditry in the North-West.

Death of Zamfara bandit commander Alti sparks rivalry among armed groups in North-West

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, marked Democracy Day with the handover of two Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and critical logistics to the Nigerian Army, after joining internally displaced persons (IDPs) for a symbolic celebration and distribution of food items to 2,500 beneficiaries.

The armoured MRAPs delivered to the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai on Friday are intended to enhance troop protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ambushes which remain a persistent threat in the fight against insurgents. Additional logistics include operational Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for frontline soldiers in difficult terrains.

Zulum also marked Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Madinatu camp where he distributed food supplies, non-food items, and cash gifts to thousands of beneficiaries.

The distribution, held at the Madinatu IDP camp, served to consolidate Zulum’s resettlement gains. Over the past seven years, Borno State Government has successfully resettled more than 2 million IDPs in their ancestral communities in a dignified and voluntary manner.

“It gladdens my heart today, the 12th of June, 2026, to celebrate June 12th, Democracy Day, here in Madinatu Camp, the only formal camp that is standing inside Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, today, to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, for the distribution of food and non-food items. Inshallah, this camp will be closed this year. This will be our last distribution exercise in this camp, or the second to the last,” Zulum said.

However, Governor Zulum used the occasion to announce a timeline for the camp’s closure. The governor ordered that Madinatu camp be shut down within one month, vowing to similarly close most IDP camps across various Local Government Areas in the coming phase of his administration’s resettlement strategy.

“Democracy must translate into restoring the dignity of our people,” Zulum told the IDPs. “Living in camps is not a permanent solution. Our goal remains to return every displaced person to their ancestral homes with security and means of livelihood.”

In addition to the food items, Zulum approved N50,000 each for the 2,500 beneficiaries present at the event.

“Each of the 500 beneficiaries mentioned will receive a 25kg bag of rice and a 25kg bag of sorghum. Women will receive wrappers. I also promise to provide 50,000 naira to each beneficiary. This amount can be credited into their own individual accounts, inshallah,” Zulum said.

The exercise was attended by the APC’s State Deputy Chairman, Garba Mulima, APC State Vice Chairman (Central) Abdur Rahman Abdulkarim, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Member representing Jere at the State Assembly, Abba Kyari Kolo, commissioners and commissioner designates and several other senior government officials.

Democracy Day: Zulum gives 2 MRAPs, other logistics to Army, celebrates with IDPs

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

By: Michael Mike

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for the arrest of a suspected gun courier intercepted while allegedly transporting weapons believed to be destined for criminal elements in Katsina State.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, June 12, 2026.

Governor Yusuf described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes threatening communities across Northern Nigeria.

According to information provided by the DSS, the suspect, identified as Muhammad Abubakar, 30, was apprehended in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State while allegedly transporting four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes, three AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines to Funtua in Katsina State.

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect collected the weapons from an individual identified as Bello in the Maigatari border area of Jigawa State and was expected to receive N450,000 upon successful delivery of the arms.

Governor Yusuf praised the professionalism, vigilance and intelligence-driven approach of DSS operatives, noting that the timely interception prevented the weapons from falling into the hands of bandits and other criminal groups.

He said the operation underscored the critical role of intelligence gathering and effective collaboration among security agencies in tackling emerging security threats across the country.

The governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained cooperation, logistics assistance and policies aimed at strengthening public safety throughout the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to aid efforts to combat crime and maintain peace.

Governor Yusuf expressed confidence that ongoing investigations would lead to the arrest and prosecution of all individuals connected to the alleged arms trafficking network.

The statement was signed by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.

Gov. Yusuf Commends DSS Over Arrest of Suspected Gun Courier in Kano

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