Two women believed to be the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, one of Nigeria’s most notorious bandit leaders, have been arrested by Saudi Arabia authorities.
According to reports, the arrest occurred in Medina following an intelligence-led operation, with the duo allegedly living under false identities.
The arrest is part of a growing effort to crack down on transnational networks aiding terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest.
Aliero, who has orchestrated numerous abductions and violent attacks across Zamfara and neighboring states, is among Nigeria’s most-wanted criminals.
His network is believed to receive support from both local and international sources. Authorities suggest that the women in custody may have critical intelligence regarding Aliero’s location, movements, and financing.
Nigerian and Saudi security agencies are now closely collaborating as investigations intensify. If confirmed, the arrests could signify a major turning point in dismantling the command and logistics network of the terror cells destabilizing northern Nigeria.