Saudi Arabian authorities have reportedly arrested two women believed to be the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders.
The arrest, which occurred in the holy city of Medina, marks a significant international development in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry and insurgency.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the women were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation targeting a network of fugitives linked to the violent insurgency plaguing Nigeria’s Northwest region.
The women are said to have been living under false identities in Saudi Arabia.
Ado Aliero, widely known for masterminding mass kidnappings and brutal attacks across Zamfara State and neighboring states, remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted criminals.
His criminal enterprise is believed to have extensive local and international backing, raising concerns about the global reach and funding of bandit networks.
Nigerian security agencies are reportedly collaborating closely with Saudi counterparts as investigations continue.
While the identities and exact roles of the detained women have not been officially confirmed, they are suspected to possess critical intelligence that could aid in tracking Aliero’s operations and financial networks.
Authorities believe this arrest may signal a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the leadership structure of armed groups destabilizing northern Nigeria.
The Star
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