Death of Bandit Leader Alti Sparks Reprisals in Zamfara–Katsina Forests

According to security officials and local informants, the alleged murder of Alti, a well-known forest bandit commander, has spurred new competition and retaliation among armed groups operating throughout the states of Zamfara and Katsina.

Alti, who mostly operated in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area, was reportedly slain recently in Katsina State after being tricked into an ambush by rival militants prior to the group being engaged by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

“A competing group planned a trap for Alti and his troops. Before troops eventually confronted the gang in the area, a number of his fighters were killed during the conflict, according to a security source acquainted with the situation.

According to Zagazola Makama, the bandit commander gained notoriety after Dan Isihu, another notorious leader, was slain during the Islamic fasting period almost a year ago.

Alti allegedly assumed leadership of the group after Dan Isihu’s passing and promised to step up attacks on the area’s rural populations.

According to security sources, Alti was connected to several attacks on communities, including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo, and Hayin Kanggana, and was well dreaded throughout Tsafe LGA.

In such places, he was accountable for multiple raids, kidnappings, and extortion. According to a local insider, “his group had turned into one of the most violent factions operating around Tsafe.”

Authorities reportedly connected the gang to the growing number of bandit groups in the Northwest using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Local intelligence claims that Alti recently traveled to Libya, where he allegedly obtained explosives that were subsequently used along the Zaria–Gusau route.

“Along the highway, one of the devices detonated close to a cement truck.” According to the source, “the explosion caused panic among drivers, allowing the bandits to kidnap travelers during the confusion.”

According to security experts, the deployment of IEDs by bandit organizations reflects a concerning change in strategy that is typical of insurgency warfare.

Investigations also show that a rival group connected to another bandit boss, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, is accused of planning the attack that killed Alti.

Since then, the competing groups have launched retaliatory strikes in response to the death.
According to sources, Kwashen Garwa’s father was apparently killed in a retaliatory attack by warriors loyal to the infamous bandit boss Ado Aleiro, who is thought to be linked to Alti.

According to a security officer, “the killing appears to be part of a revenge cycle between the rival groups competing for control of territories and criminal routes across the Zamfara–Katsina forest belt.”

It is thought that a number of fighters who served under Alti are still active in the woodlands surrounding Tsafe despite his passing.
Umar Kachalla, one of them, is allegedly in charge of organizing the faction’s remaining members.

In the meantime, Babalo, another bandit leader, was also recently slain after being hurt in a conflict with security personnel.

According to local accounts, Babalo was being treated in the Marde area for a gunshot wound sustained during an earlier altercation.

However, he and four of his colleagues were reportedly murdered by troops after they tracked him to the scene.

After years of brutal attacks, kidnappings, and extortion, residents in a number of towns throughout Tsafe LGA claim they are relieved at the deaths of important bandit commanders.

According to a resident of one impacted village, “people are starting to feel some relief for the first time in a long while.” “However, the fear has not entirely disappeared because many of these fighters are still in the forests.”