June 13, (THEWILL)- The deadliest bandit kingpin, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, popularly known as Kachalla Buharin Yadi, has been killed.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday.
He said Yadi, who had terrorised Northern Nigeria for a decade, was neutralised along with 35 members of his gang during a fierce gun battle with the troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Punch, during an operation in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The troops were led by the General Officer Commanding One Division, Major General Mayirenso Saraso, around Idasu forest, at the boundaries between Giwa local government of Kaduna State and Sabuwa local government of Katsina State.
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.
“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 neutralised was Kachalla Buharin Yadi”, he said.
Aruwan said Buharin Yadi 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 was also 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 neighbouring states.
The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the North-East and North-West.
The statement said the killing of Buharin Yadi therefore, brings to an end a manhunt by security forces “for this terrorist which stretched more than five years”.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has expressed his elation at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery, pro-activeness and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.
