Sources report the demise of a notorious bandit leader born in Niger Republic, who was killed in a deadly ambush by security forces near a stream in Zamfara, bringing an end to his reign of terror.

Additional information has surfaced regarding the sensational downfall of Halilu Sububu, otherwise known as Buzu – the infamous kingpin bandit who held Zamfara and its adjacent regions in a state of fear for an extended period.

He met his demise when Nigerian troops executed a meticulous ambush on his criminal enterprise.

Troops from Operation Hadarin Daji reportedly intercepted and fatally shot Buzu, along with his group of fighters, during an ambush at Kwaren-Kirya village on the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara State.

The military operation that took place in Mayanchi village resulted not only in the elimination of the notorious bandit but also in the neutralization of some members from his team, as confirmed by witnesses.

During the incident on Mayanchi-Mafara road, troops were confirmed to have killed multiple bandits by a source from Mayanchi village.

Upon discovering that the bandits were on the verge of crossing a stream, troops positioned in ambush swooped down and eliminated Sububu along with his followers.

During the encounter, it was discovered that only three of the bandits’ motorbikes were able to escape from the ambush, while their weapons and remaining motorbikes were recovered by troops.

While I speak, there is rejoicing among our people in Mayanchi and the surrounding villages. Our happiness knows no bounds today. We express heartfelt praise for the Nigerian soldiers’ efforts and pray they will persist until Turji and his accomplices are apprehended or eliminated. Banditry has exhausted us all, therefore we hope for an end to it soon.

Jubilation broke out in Mayanchi and the neighboring villages upon hearing about Buzu’s death. A resident expressed their delight, saying that it was a triumph for their community. They praised the Nigerian troops and wished them continued success until all bandits who terrorize them are eliminated, such as Turji.

Who is Buzu?

Buzu, whose real name is Halilu Sububu, was not a typical criminal. He hailed from Niger Republic and ran a profitable illegal gold mining operation in Zamfara’s forests. The Nigerian military had been monitoring him closely for several months before he was officially declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in May.

Renowned for his merciless raids that spanned across multiple regions of Zamfara such as Maradun, Faru, Kaura Namoda, Dubuwa, Gidan Gogi and Bakura; Buzu wielded authority over several communities and mining sites located in the vicinity of Sumke forest.

The Nigerian Military Emerges Victorious

Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed that the recent ambush was a crucial step in their ongoing mission to secure the region and dismantle bandit networks.

The statement reported that while conducting a follow-up mission, in response to hostile elements encountered earlier, NAF Special Forces of Operation HADARIN DAJI collaborated with other ground troops. As a result of this operation, 38 terrorists were eliminated and substantial weaponry like machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and AK-47 rifles was seized.

The success of this achievement has caused a commotion among the other leaders in the bandit community, and residents are optimistic that with increased military action, there will be stronger efforts to eliminate these groups. “This sends an unmistakable message: No bandits can evade punishment,” stated a resident from the area. “We have faith that by obtaining federal support, our troops will efficiently eradicate all remaining bands present within our region.”