Security operatives have engaged terrorists in a gun duel, bombarded camp terrorists, and neutralising one of the kingpins and others in Kaduna State.
The state government, yesterday, said the infamous terrorist, Buharin Yadi, who is one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorising Northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end in the hands of security forces.
Issued by the Coordinating Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, the statement reads: “The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.”
The commissioner confirmed: “Halidu was neutralised in a fierce battle with the troops (under the coordination of their Commander, also the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the 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.”
According to Aruwan, “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,” he said.
“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.”
Aruwan further stressed, “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.
“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.”
