New terror leader emerges in Zamfara, taxes villages for arms purchase

Armed bandits operating under the notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro have allegedly appointed a new field commander following the recent killing of Kachalla Iliya Mai Rasha, as the group moves to reorganize its operations in Zamfara State.

A report by counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama quoted intelligence sources as disclosing that although the identity of the new commander has yet to be disclosed, bandit emissaries have reportedly imposed a levy of N200,000 on each village in the western axis of Tsafe Local Government Area.

According to the sources, the money is intended to raise approximately N25 million to enable the newly appointed commander procure additional weapons and ammunition.

As per Zagazalo:

The sources further disclosed that at least 10 bandit commanders (Kachallas) were reportedly buried in Kizara village, west of Tsafe, following recent military operations, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Residents familiar with the movements of the armed groups also said bandits who return from raids have been telling their local contacts that they now travel much farther into remote areas in search of livestock, claiming that there are few animals left to rustle within Zamfara due to sustained security operations and repeated cattle theft.

The claims could not be independently verified. However, security sources said they are monitoring the reported appointment of a new commander and the alleged collection of levies from rural communities as part of ongoing intelligence efforts targeting the group’s logistics and financing networks.

Military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have in recent weeks intensified pressure on bandit enclaves across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, resulting in the reported elimination of several notorious commanders and disruption of their operational bases.