Bandits Tax Tsafe Villages N200,000 Each to Fund Weapons Purchase as New Field Commander Takes Over After Mai Rasha's Death

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Suspected armed bandits operating under the notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro have reportedly appointed a new field commander following the recent death of Kachalla Iliya Mai Rasha, while communities in parts of Zamfara State are allegedly being forced to contribute money for the purchase of weapons. The development, reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama, is part of efforts by the gang to reorganise its operations after recent military offensives targeting bandit enclaves across the North-West.

According to the report, although the identity of the newly appointed commander has not yet been disclosed, bandit emissaries have allegedly imposed a N200,000 levy on each village in the western axis of Tsafe Local Government Area. The levy is expected to generate about N25 million, which the group allegedly intends to use to purchase additional weapons and ammunition. The report further claimed that at least 10 bandit commanders, popularly known as Kachallas, were buried in Kizara village, west of Tsafe, following recent military operations, while several others reportedly sustained injuries.

Residents familiar with the activities of the armed groups have also alleged that bandits have been complaining about increasing difficulty in rustling livestock within Zamfara because of sustained military operations. “Bandits who return from raids have been telling their local contacts that they now travel much farther into remote areas in search of livestock, claiming that there are few animals left to rustle within Zamfara due to sustained security operations and repeated cattle theft,” the report stated.

The claims by the residents could not be independently verified. However, security sources said they were monitoring reports of the new leadership structure and the alleged collection of levies from rural communities as part of ongoing intelligence efforts aimed at disrupting the group’s logistics and financing network. The report added that recent operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have intensified pressure on bandit groups across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, resulting in the reported elimination of several notorious commanders and the disruption of their operational bases.

Military operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have in recent weeks intensified pressure on bandit enclaves across Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states, resulting in the reported elimination of several notorious commanders and disruption of their operational bases. The reported appointment of a new commander, the alleged levy on rural communities and the claimed casualties among bandit leaders could not be independently verified. Security sources said they are monitoring the reported developments as part of ongoing intelligence efforts targeting the logistics and financing networks of armed groups operating in the North-West.

The development comes amid sustained military pressure on bandit groups across the North-West, which has disrupted their operations and forced them to adapt their tactics. The imposition of levies on rural communities is not a new phenomenon in Zamfara State, where bandits have long extorted money from villagers in exchange for "protection" or to avoid attacks. However, the scale of the N200,000 levy and the appointment of a new commander suggest that the group is attempting to regroup and rearm after suffering significant losses in recent months. For the residents of Tsafe LGA and other affected communities, the levy represents yet another burden in a region already grappling with insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship. The failure of security forces to prevent the imposition of such levies raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and the ability of the state to protect its citizens from the predatory activities of armed groups. As Operation FANSAN YAMMA continues its offensive, the people of Zamfara remain caught between the violence of the bandits and the uncertain promise of military protection, hoping that the intensified pressure on criminal networks will eventually translate into lasting peace and security.

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