Saudi Arabian security forces have reportedly arrested two women believed to be the wife and mother of Ado Aliero, one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders, in a major breakthrough tied to international counterterrorism efforts.
The women were captured in Medina, where they had allegedly been living under false identities.
According to sources familiar with the operation, the arrests were the result of a joint intelligence-driven collaboration between Saudi and Nigerian security agencies.
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“This marks a significant step in dismantling the support system surrounding Ado Aliero,” a security official told ABC News.
“Their detention could yield vital information on his movements, financial networks, and cross-border operations.”
Ado Aliero is widely feared in Zamfara State and across Nigeria’s Northwest for his role in mass kidnappings, deadly raids, and widespread violence. His ability to elude capture has been attributed to an extensive network of local and international collaborators.
Although Saudi authorities have yet to officially confirm the identities of the detained women, Nigerian intelligence officers have identified them as key figures in the ongoing investigation into insurgency financing and logistics.
“This development adds a global layer to Nigeria’s domestic security threats,” said a counterterrorism expert who requested anonymity. “It underscores the international reach of criminal networks operating within Nigeria.”
Nigerian security agencies are reportedly working closely with their Saudi counterparts as the investigation expands, with hopes that intelligence gathered from the arrests will deal a serious blow to Aliero’s operational network.
