Troops kill ‘notorious bandit kingpin’ in Katsina

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed Kamilu Chiroma, a “notorious bandit kingpin” also known as Buzaro.

He was reportedly “neutralised” at Dargaza hill, Maidabino B ward, Danmusa LGA of Katsina.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Chiroma was killed alongside several of his gang members during a coordinated military operation involving the 17 brigade and the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji.

Zagazola said the operation, which took place in the early hours of February 17, followed actionable intelligence that showed that Buzaro and his men had set up defensive positions around the hills.

An intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform was deployed to scan the area, confirming the bandits’ movements and fortifications, the report said.

The ground forces halted their advance while fighter jets conducted air strikes on the hideout.

The bombardment led to the death of “a significant number of Buzaro’s fighters”.

“Impeccable sources who witnessed the attack reported that several motorcycles used by the gang were destroyed, along with a cache of weapons,” the publication said.

“In the aftermath of the damaging assault, ground troops moved in to clear the area, engaging any remaining threats and securing the location.

“Top military officials described the mission as very successful, emphasizing that it has dealt directly a major blow to bandit operations in the region.”

The army, in collaboration with the air force and other security agencies, has intensified counter-banditry operations across the north-west.

Earlier this month, several notorious bandit leaders terrorising Batsari, Safana, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina, surrendered to troops.

Troops also killed Kachalla Na Faranshi, a notorious bandit leader, alongside several of his fighters, in Zamfara.