News Investigators/ Troops of the Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch on Thursday killed notorious bandit kingpin, Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and 35 of his criminal gang members that have unleashed a reign of terror in Nigeria’s North West zone.
Mr. Halidu, described as one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorizing Northern Nigeria in the last decade met his Waterloo in a fierce gun battle with security forces.
The General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso led the troops to gun duel with Buharin Yadi and his gang at a location around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
A statement by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, said 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,” Mr. Aruwan stated.
Adding: “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.”
He noted that, “Buharin Yadi was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading and drug trafficking. He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighboring 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. The news of his demise spread like wildfire, triggering massive relief and widespread celebrations among locals spanning Kaduna and Katsina States.”
Reacting to the cheering news, Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, while receiving the security operations’ report, described the development as a pointer to the “bravery, pro-activeness and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.”
Mr. Sani lauded the GOC, Major General Saraso for his sterling leadership, as well as the troops for their comprehensive victory against the terrorists.
He reassured the security forces in Kaduna of his administration’s unflinching support and the continued collaborative stance of the State Government.
The statement urged members of the public as well as residents not to render assistance (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but to immediately report such to security agencies.
He stated that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
It further stated that the Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of this nature on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.
Additionally, the statement said special operations against bandits continue in the general area and members of the public are urged to continuously volunteer supportive information to the security forces and the government.