Soldiers have killed a notorious bandit leader known on TikTok as Alti.

Soldiers have killed a notorious bandit leader known on TikTok as Alti.

Nigerian troops have killed a notorious bandit commander widely known as Alti, who was allegedly responsible for terrorizing communities along the Gusau–Funtua highway and other parts of northwestern Nigeria.

A source at military headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Alti was killed during a recent military operation, in what is being seen as a major blow to bandit groups operating in Zamfara and Katsina states, as well as parts of Sokoto State.

Reports indicate that despite his young age, Alti had become one of the leading bandit commanders in the region. He was reportedly running camps stretching from southern Gusau to areas around Jibiya and Funtua.

From these bases, his fighters allegedly carried out attacks, abducted people for ransom, ambushed travelers on highways, and even used improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on major roads.

Alti was also said to be known among bandits by the nickname “money bank” because of his control over ransom payments from kidnappings. He reportedly appeared in TikTok videos displaying weapons and issuing threats.

Security experts say Alti’s death could help reduce kidnapping activities along the Zamfara–Katsina axis and weaken the bandit networks loyal to him.

Communities in the region have long suffered from repeated attacks and mass abductions, with huge ransom payments often demanded. This is why the elimination of top bandit leaders like Alti is considered important to restoring peace.