Notorious bandit leader Ado Aleiro has reportedly suffered a major setback following the loss of his son, eight other family members and about 30 motorcycles during a recent encounter at Doma village in Katsina State.

Intelligence obtained by Zagazola Makama indicated that the losses have significantly weakened the operational strength and mobility of Aleiro’s criminal syndicate.

According to the intelligence report dated Aug. 9, all the estimated 30 motorcycles deployed by the syndicate during the encounter reportedly failed to return, with their occupants said to have been neutralised.

The report further stated that Aleiro lost his son and eight other members of his family during the encounter.

The development is considered a significant blow to the bandit leader, particularly because motorcycles remain critical to the mobility, communication and operational activities of criminal gangs operating across the North-West.

Following the reported losses, intelligence indicated that Aleiro was, as of 3:51 p.m. on Sunday, moving alone on a motorcycle around Sakya Dutse, Higi and Asaula areas.

Sources said his movement was being monitored amid efforts to establish his next destination and assess the condition of his remaining network.

Further intelligence also indicated that the bandit leader was concerned about the vulnerability of a proposed location for his illegal mining activities at Gidan Buhari, under Chadiya Ward in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Aleiro was reportedly apprehensive that the location could come under attack by Yansakai operating from Tsafe town.

The concern is believed to be linked to the weakening of his syndicate following the reported losses in Katsina and the possible exposure of his remaining operational networks.

Security sources said the latest development could provide security agencies with an opportunity to intensify pressure on the weakened syndicate and prevent the regrouping of surviving members.

The reported destruction of the motorcycles is particularly significant as it could limit the gang’s ability to conduct rapid movements, launch attacks, transport supplies and evade pursuing security forces across difficult terrain.

The latest setback comes amid sustained military and security operations against bandit groups operating across Zamfara, Katsina and neighbouring states under Operation FANSAN YANMA.

Security agencies are expected to maintain surveillance of Aleiro’s movements while assessing the extent of the losses suffered by his network.

Authorities have also been advised to strengthen coordination among troops and other relevant security agencies in the affected areas, particularly around Tsafe and other locations where the syndicate may attempt to regroup. (Zagazola, excluding headline)

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