Authorities in Saudi Arabia have arrested two women believed to be the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, a notorious Nigerian bandit leader, in what appears to be a significant development in the international fight against terrorism linked to Nigeria’s northwest region.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the women were detained during a targeted operation based on intelligence reports.
The operation is believed to be part of a broader crackdown on a network of fugitives associated with insurgent activities in Nigeria’s northwest.
The arrests reportedly took place in Medina, a city revered for its religious significance, where the women were allegedly living under false identities.
Ado Aliero, one of the most wanted criminals in Nigeria, is infamous for leading numerous kidnappings and violent raids across Zamfara State and its surrounding areas.
His operations have long been suspected to benefit from both local and international support systems, prompting new concerns about how deeply entrenched and well-funded these bandit groups may be.
Nigerian security forces are said to be collaborating closely with Saudi officials as investigations into the case continue.
Although the precise identities and involvement of the two women have not been formally verified, insiders suggest they may possess critical information regarding Aliero’s whereabouts and financial operations.
Security analysts believe the arrests could be a turning point in efforts to dismantle the leadership and logistics of armed groups destabilising northern Nigeria.