Military eliminate 50 bandits, kill Ado Allero’s son in Zamfara offensive in coordinated ground, air offensive

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, in a coordinated ground and air offensive, have neutralised no fewer than 65 bandits, including a notorious kingpin, Kachalla Iliya Sarki, son of wanted bandit leader Ado Allero, during a major operation in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Credible security sources told Zagazola Makama that 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 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, the bandits kingpin Alhaji Ado 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 twon, as troops continue pursuit operations to dismantle the remnants of his group.

Kachalla Iliya 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 was 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.

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 Ado Allero is likely to mobilise his fighters for reprisal attacks 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.

Military eliminate 50 bandits, kill Ado Allero’s son in Zamfara offensive in coordinated ground, air offensive

NDLEA Uncovers Cocaine Concealed in Palm Kernel Oil Cans, Arrests Kingpin in Lagos

By: Michael Mike

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate that concealed cocaine in tins of palm kernel oil for export to the United Kingdom, leading to the arrest of a suspected kingpin in Lagos.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, said the operation, lasted three weeks, began on March 11, 2026, when NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted 3.1 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in tins of palm kernel extract at the export shed.

He revealed that two suspects, Idris Amoo and Akinlami Adedoyin, were arrested in connection with the shipment.

He said a follow-up sting operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the sender, Ezemuwo Joel, who was operating under a false identity, noting that his arrest exposed the leader of the syndicate, identified as King Arinze, 52, who was subsequently apprehended at his hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos.

Babafemi said NDLEA operatives later raided his warehouse in Bucknor, Isolo, where they recovered 886 tins prepared for drug concealment, along with industrial tools including a sealing machine, tin openers, paint sprays, and 52 grammes of cannabis, with the suspect reportedly confessed to draining the oil from the tins to conceal cocaine.

In a separate operation in Borno State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 28-year-old woman, Aisha Adamu, alleged to be a supplier of illicit drugs to bandit groups operating across the North-East and parts of Chad. She was intercepted along Gamboru Ngala road with 4.3 kilogrammes of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis.

Meanwhile, a pastor of the Celestial Church of Christ, Agonvi Sea Beach, Badagry, Pastor Afolabi Hodonu, and his wife, Success Hodonu, were arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint in Lagos last Thursday with NDLEA officers recovering 11 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in hidden compartments of their vehicle.

Babafemi said their arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a suspected fake security agent, Sunday Samuel, who was intercepted at the same checkpoint last Monday with 24.5 kilogrammes of skunk.

In Adamawa State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck conveying 48,000 pills of tramadol along Namtari road in Yola South. The driver, Abdulaziz Korede, was arrested, while a subsequent operation led to the arrest of the intended recipient, Idris Adamu.

Babafemi said other operations across the country led to multiple arrests and seizures. In Osun State, a 60-year-old woman was arrested with 15 kilogrammes of skunk in Osogbo, while in Ondo State, operatives recovered 351 kilogrammes of skunk from a forest in Akure.

In Benue State, a 66-year-old suspect was arrested with 28,600 capsules of tramadol in Aliade, while in Edo State, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,378 kilogrammes of skunk from a warehouse in Egbanke community.

Similarly, in Oyo State, a suspected drug dealer, Ayantola Omodunmomi, was arrested in Ibadan, where 45.6 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered. The agency said she used her 11-year-old daughter to distribute illicit drugs.

The NDLEA also said its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaign continued nationwide, with awareness programmes conducted in schools across Oyo, Lagos, Kano, Anambra, and Zamfara states.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended officers across various commands for the arrests and seizures.

He said: “These successful operations are a testament to the agency’s evolving intelligence capabilities and our unwavering commitment to choking the supply lines of drug cartels.”

NDLEA Uncovers Cocaine Concealed in Palm Kernel Oil Cans, Arrests Kingpin in Lagos

Easter: Araraume Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Hope, Prays for Tinubu

By: Michael Mike

Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has called on Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, forgiveness, and renewed hope as Christians across the country celebrate Easter.

In a message to mark the occasion, Araraume described Easter as a powerful reminder that adversity is temporary and that brighter days lie ahead. He said the resurrection of Jesus Christ symbolises victory over hardship and offers a message of hope for Nigeria’s future.

According to him, “Easter is not merely a festival; it is a spiritual declaration that darkness does not have the final word. As Christ rose triumphantly on the third day, I believe Nigeria, too, is rising from every challenge to meet her God-ordained destiny.”

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress also offered prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a courageous leader navigating the country through difficult but necessary reforms.

Araraume prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and protection for the President, expressing hope that his efforts would yield lasting benefits for future generations.

He further commended Tinubu’s reform agenda, noting that although current policies may require sacrifices from citizens, they are essential for achieving long-term peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

“These are not easy times, but great nations are forged in the furnace of difficult decisions. I urge all Nigerians, irrespective of political or religious differences, to support the administration with patience and prayers,” he said.

The former Imo governorship candidate also encouraged citizens to demonstrate love and compassion, particularly towards the less privileged, grieving, and displaced persons. He stressed that the true essence of Easter lies in selfless giving and unity.

Araraume wished Christians a peaceful, joyful, and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration.

Easter: Araraume Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Hope, Prays for Tinubu