Crime

Killing of bandit leader Alti triggers reprisals in Zamfara–Katsina forests

Published

3 months ago

March 15, 2026

The reported killing of a notorious forest bandit commander, Alti, has sparked fresh rivalry and reprisals among armed groups operating across Zamfara and Katsina states, security sources and local informants have revealed.

Alti, who operated mainly in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, was said to have been killed recently in Katsina State after being lured into an ambush by rival fighters before troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA engaged the group.

“Alti and his men were drawn into a trap set by a rival faction. During the confrontation, several of his fighters were killed before troops later engaged the group in the area,” a security source familiar with the development said.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the bandit commander had reportedly risen to prominence following the death of another feared leader, Dan Isihu, who was killed about a year ago during the Islamic fasting period.

Following Dan Isihu’s death, Alti allegedly took control of the faction and vowed to intensify attacks across rural communities in the region.

Security sources said Alti was widely feared across Tsafe LGA and was linked to multiple attacks on villages including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo and Hayin Kanggana.

“He was responsible for several raids, kidnappings and extortion in those communities. His group had become one of the most violent factions operating around Tsafe,” a local source said.

Authorities also linked the group to the increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by bandit groups in the North-West.

According to local intelligence, Alti had recently travelled to Libya, where he allegedly acquired explosive devices later used along the Zaria–Gusau highway.

“One of the devices exploded near a truck carrying cement along the highway. The explosion caused panic among motorists, allowing the bandits to abduct travellers during the confusion,” the source said.

Security analysts say the use of IEDs represents a worrying shift in tactics among bandit groups, reflecting methods commonly associated with insurgent warfare.

Investigations further indicate that the ambush that led to Alti’s death was allegedly orchestrated by a rival faction linked to another bandit commander known as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.

The killing has since triggered reprisal attacks among the rival groups.
Sources disclosed that fighters loyal to the notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aleiro, who is believed to be related to Alti, carried out a retaliatory attack in which the father of Kwashen Garwa was reportedly killed.

“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,” a security official said.

Despite Alti’s death, several fighters who previously served under him are believed to remain active in the forests around Tsafe.
One of them, identified as Umar Kachalla, is reportedly coordinating remnants of the faction.

Meanwhile, another bandit figure known as Babalo was also recently killed after sustaining injuries during a confrontation with security forces.

Local sources said Babalo had been receiving treatment for a gunshot wound in the Marde area after being injured during an earlier clash.

However, troops reportedly tracked him to the location and killed him alongside four of his associates.

Residents in several communities across Tsafe LGA say the deaths of key bandit commanders have brought a sense of relief after years of violent attacks, kidnappings and extortion.

“For the first time in a long while, people are beginning to feel some relief,” a resident of one affected community said. “But many of these fighters are still in the forests, so the fear has not completely gone away.”

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Post Views: 295

Crime

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

Published

2 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Post Views: 33

Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

Published

22 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

Post Views: 56

Crime

Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

Published

22 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.