A new terrorist kingpin identified as Kachalla Alti has reportedly assumed leadership of a network of terrorists operating in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The emergence of Kachalla Alti follows the killing of his elder brother, Kachalla Dan Isihu who was neutralised during a counter-terrorism offensive by Nigerian security forces.
Sources in Zamfara State indicate that Kachalla Alti was previously a loyal associate of notorious bandit leader Adamu Aleru but has since taken on a more active operational role after his brother was killed several months ago,
In a post shared on X, security analyst and journalist, Bakatsine stated that the new kingpin is currently unleashing terror on villagers and travelers in area.
According to Bakatsine, Alti is leading or coordinating violent attacks across several communities, particularly along the Danjibga axis. Local sources attribute a series of escalating crimes to his faction, including large-scale kidnappings for ransom, armed highway robberies, ambushes on civilian vehicles, deliberate burning of cars along major routes and sustained intimidation and abuse of residents.
These activities have significantly worsened the humanitarian and security situation in Tsafe and surrounding areas. Residents report restricted movement, economic paralysis, school closures and growing displacement as fear of attacks continues to spread. The pattern of violence also shows a recurring trend in northwestern Nigeria, where the removal of one armed leader is followed by rapid succession from close relatives or loyal lieutenants, often triggering renewed cycles of violence rather than de-escalation.
