Death of Zamfara bandit commander Alti triggers turf wars among armed groups

The reported killing of notorious bandit commander Alti has sparked renewed tensions among armed groups operating in Zamfara and Katsina States, highlighting the volatile rivalries shaping banditry in Nigeria’s North-West.

Alti, who primarily operated in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara, was reportedly killed in Katsina State during what intelligence sources describe as a coordinated ambush by rival fighters, followed by a military engagement under Operation FANSAN YANMA.

Alti rose to prominence after the death of another infamous bandit leader, Dan Isihu, about a year ago. Following Isihu’s demise, Alti assumed leadership of the faction and expanded the group’s violent operations across rural communities. He was also reported to be related to the notorious bandit kingpin Ado Aleiro, a major figure in Zamfara’s criminal networks.

Sources described Alti as one of the most feared commanders in Tsafe, responsible for repeated attacks on villages including Dan Jibga, Kunchin Kalgo, and Hayin Kanggana. Beyond conventional attacks, he was linked to the growing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the region. Local informants claimed he travelled to Libya to acquire explosives, which were later deployed along the Zaria–Gusau highway, including one detonation that targeted a truck carrying cement and facilitated multiple abductions.

Alti’s death reportedly followed an ambush orchestrated by a rival faction believed to be loyal to another bandit commander, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, resulting in multiple casualties among his fighters. On the same day, troops reportedly engaged the group, neutralising more combatants.

The killings have intensified infighting among armed groups in the forests straddling Zamfara and Katsina. Intelligence sources suggest that Alti’s relative, Ado Aleiro, retaliated by allegedly targeting the father of Kwashen Garwa, signalling an escalating cycle of tit-for-tat violence among competing factions.

Despite Alti’s elimination, remnants of his group remain active in Tsafe, including a commander identified as Umar Kachalla. Another bandit leader, Babalo, who had been injured during earlier clashes, was reportedly tracked and killed along with four associates by security forces.

Residents of Tsafe communities say the deaths of key bandit leaders have brought some relief after years of attacks, kidnappings, and extortion. While security agencies continue to dismantle criminal networks, locals warn that the fragmented structure of bandit groups may allow new leaders to quickly fill the vacuum.

Security analysts say the elimination of figures like Alti offers a critical opportunity for authorities to intensify operations, disrupt bandit activities further, and consolidate gains in the fight against armed criminal networks in the North-West.