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

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