Notorious Zamfara bandit leader kills his own fighters over betrayal

Notorious bandit leader Ado Aleru has reportedly executed seven of his own fighters over alleged betrayal in Zamfara State.

The development was revealed by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama in a post on his X handle on Thursday.

According to Zagazola, the killings occurred across villages including Takulawa, Turba, Bamamu, and the Yamma forest axis.

Sources say Aleru accused the fighters of carrying out unauthorised kidnappings along the Gusau–Yankara highway—acts he viewed as a threat to his control and operations.

“He personally executed seven of them after confirming they were behind recent abductions of travellers on the highway.

“He feared their actions would draw too much attention from security forces,” one source stated.

The security expert noted that the executions have reportedly stirred fear and discontent among Aleru’s remaining loyalists, who see the killings as a sign of growing mistrust within the camp.

Aleru, previously designated a wanted terrorist by the Federal Government, has long been linked to kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Sokoto States.

The bandit leader was also engaged in peace talks with the Federal committee aimed at ending hostilities in the North West.

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