Saudi Arabian officials have reportedly arrested the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, a leading figure among Nigeria’s armed bandits, in the city of Medina.

The two women were allegedly living under false identities when they were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation connected to a network linked with insurgents operating in Nigeria’s Northwest.

Ado Aliero, known for orchestrating kidnappings and violent attacks in Zamfara and surrounding states, remains on Nigeria’s list of most wanted criminals.

His influence is believed to be supported by both local and international connections, raising concerns about the funding and reach of armed groups in the region.

Nigerian security agencies are cooperating with Saudi counterparts as investigations continue. Although officials have not released detailed information on the women’s identities or their specific involvement, sources suggest they may hold important intelligence on Aliero’s location and financial activities.

This arrest is seen as a possible development in efforts to disrupt the leadership structure of terror groups destabilising parts of northern Nigeria.

Ado Aliero was among 97 terror suspects publicly declared wanted by Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters in March 2024. The list included individuals accused of terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, with 43 suspects wanted in the northwest alone.

The Defence Headquarters previously placed bounties on several suspects, including those believed to be connected to Aliero, in a bid to curb the escalating violence and insecurity in the region.