National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigerian military has dealt a significant blow to banditry in the northwest by killing several notorious bandit leaders in recent operations.
Banditry, which has plagued the northwestern states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina, has reached alarming levels in recent years, with criminal gangs terrorizing communities and carrying out violent attacks.
One of the key figures recently neutralized by the military is Kachalla Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader and arms supplier. Sububu, who operated a large mining site in Dan-Kamfani, Anka Local Government Area, was a central figure in the region’s banditry.
His death in a military operation in the infamous Sububu Forest is a major victory for the Nigerian armed forces.
Commenting on the development, a top military official stated, “The elimination of Halilu Sububu is a significant step in dismantling the network of bandit leaders who have been responsible for the suffering of many innocent Nigerians. This operation reflects our continued commitment to bringing an end to banditry and restoring peace to the region.”
In addition to Sububu, other notorious bandit leaders killed in recent military operations include:
Buhari Alhaji Halidu (a.k.a. Buharin Yadi) – Responsible for terrorizing areas in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states, he was killed after years of wreaking havoc on citizens.
Dangote – A kingpin who was eliminated during a fierce gun battle with Kachalla Dankarami’s camp along the Dumbunrun Forest between Batsari and Jibia in Katsina State.
Boderi Isyaku – The mastermind behind the kidnapping of 39 students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization and the 2021 attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
Kachalla Dan Chaki, Dogo Gudali, Dogo Rabe, and Rufai Maikaji – All notorious bandit leaders who were killed in coordinated airstrikes and ground operations in various parts of Zamfara and Katsina states.
Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga – Both leaders were killed in a military raid on their hideouts in Gusami Forest and Tsamre village, Zamfara State.
Alhaji Karki – Once a repentant bandit, Karki returned to criminality and was killed while attempting to overrun a military unit in Niger State.
Yellow – A notorious leader with multiple camps in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states, was eliminated in a Nigerian Airforce operation.
The Defence Minister, Muhammad Badaru, commended the military’s efforts, noting that the collaboration between the service chiefs and other security agencies has been key in achieving these successes.
“The killing of over 9,300 bandits and insurgents in the last year alone is a testament to the synergy among our security forces. Over 7,000 others have been arrested, and we remain relentless in our mission to protect the lives of all Nigerians,” the Minister said.
In response, several Arewa groups have praised the military for its continued efforts to restore peace to the region.
“We commend the Nigerian military for these bold and decisive actions. The killing of these notorious bandit leaders will bring much-needed relief to communities that have suffered for too long,” one group stated.
As security forces continue to carry out more operations, the Nigerian government remains focused on eradicating banditry and ensuring peace in the northern region.
