Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma have neutralised no fewer than 60 bandits, including the son of a wanted notorious bandit leader, during a coordinated ground and air offensive in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation, which targeted bandits in Munhaye village behind Kunchin Kalgo, led to the killing of Kachalla Iliya Sarki, a key commander and son of Alhaji Ado Allero.
Other commanders eliminated include Dogo Sule and Iliya Mai Rasha.
Security sources said the intense battle began around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, and lasted for over seven hours.

Bandits, estimated in their hundreds and riding on about 300 motorcycles, reportedly converged from the Yan Wari axis and Dankarami Gwaska camp, engaging troops in a heavy gunfight.
The operation, supported by precision airstrikes, overwhelmed the assailants, inflicting heavy casualties on the group long linked to killings, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kano State.

Kachalla Iliya Sarki was described as one of the most feared commanders in Ado Allero’s network.
He had reportedly taken over leadership roles following the killing of another commander, Alti, last month. He was also said to have travelled to Kano for cattle rustling operations just four days before his death.

Seven vigilantes supporting the troops also lost their lives during the encounter.
Following the operation, Ado Allero was reportedly forced to flee and is currently in hiding at Yankuzu town, while troops continue pursuit operations to dismantle remaining elements of his network.

Security analysts described the elimination of Iliya Sarki as a major setback to bandit operations in the North-West, particularly within the Zamfara–Katsina–Kano axis.
“This is a major operational success. The death of Iliya Sarki will significantly disrupt the group’s command and control structure,” a security analyst said.

However, sources warned that the development could trigger retaliatory attacks, as Ado Allero may mobilise fighters in response to the loss of his son and key lieutenants.
Troops have therefore been placed on heightened alert across vulnerable communities.

As of the time of filing this report, exploitation and clearance operations by Operation Fasan Yamma were still ongoing in the area.
The Nigerian military has sustained its campaign against banditry in the North-West under Operation Fasan Yamma, recording several operational successes in recent months.