Notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, has reportedly killed seven of his own fighters in Zamfara State after accusing them of betrayal and carrying out unauthorised kidnappings.
The executions occurred in Takulawa, Turba, Bamamu, and the Yamma forest axis, where Aleru allegedly confronted the fighters for staging kidnappings along the Gusau–Yankara highway without his approval, according to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
It was gathered that the bandit leader personally executed the men after confirming their involvement in recent abductions of travellers.
Aleru reportedly feared the unauthorised operations were drawing unwanted attention from security forces to his strongholds.
The killings have reportedly sparked fear and growing unease among his loyalists, many of whom now see the move as a sign of mistrust within his camp.
Aleru, who has been designated a wanted terrorist by the Federal Government, is notorious for masterminding kidnappings, killings, and cattle rustling across Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Sokoto States.
Makama disclosed the development on Thursday via his X handle, adding that the bandit kingpin is also said to be in discussions with a federal committee on possible peace negotiations to end hostilities in the North West.
“He personally executed seven of them after confirming they were behind recent abductions of travellers on the highway. He feared their actions were drawing too much attention from security forces,” Zagazola said.
“The killings have reportedly triggered fear and discontent among Aleru’s remaining loyalists, who see the executions as a sign of growing mistrust within the camp.”
