Troops kill ‘bandit leader’ who terrorised Kaduna, Katsina communities

Troops of Operation Whirl Punch have reportedly killed Buhari Alhaji Halidu, also known as Buhari Yadi, a notorious bandit leader who was terrorising communities in the north-west region.

In a statement on Thursday, Samuel Aruwan, overseeing commissioner of Kaduna state ministry of internal security and home affairs, said Halidu was killed alongside some members of his gang in a “fierce battle” with troops of 1 division of the Nigerian Army.

Aruwan said the bandit was killed around Idasu Forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina.

The commissioner said Halidu and his gang were responsible for many of the killings and kidnappings in parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara states.

“The infamous terrorist Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorising Northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces, Aruwan announced,” the statement reads.

“Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops, under the coordination of their commander and also the General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso), which took place around Idasu Forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.

“The troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka, Saulawa, area of Katsina State.

“On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.

“A ferocious battle quickly followed as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri.

“The troops then fought bravely through an ambush to attain their objective. Initial assessments indicate that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement.

“It was eventually verified that one of those neutralized was Kachalla Buharin Yadi.

“Kachalla Buhari Alhaji Halidu (also known as Buharin Yadi or Buhari Janar) and the brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA, other locations in nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and indeed some parts of Niger and Zamfara States.”

“The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the Northeast and Northwest.

“The breakthrough brings to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist, which stretched more than five years.”

Aruwan said news of the demise of the bandits’ kingpin spread like wildfire, prompting widespread celebrations among locals in Kaduna and Katsina states.