The Kaduna State government said troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Punch, have killed a terrorists’ kingpin, Buharin Yadi, along with dozens of his fighters.
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna.
Mr Aruwan said Mr Yadi was one of the “deadliest” bandits terrorising northern Nigeria in the last decade.
“The Sector 6 Operation, Whirl Punch troops, rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.
“Halidu was neutralised in a fierce battle with the troops under the coordination of their commander, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.
“This took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa Local Government Area(LGA) of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State,” Mr Aruwan explained.
He said the troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka and Saulawa areas 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,“ he said.
Mr Aruwan said the troops fought bravely through an ambush to attain their objective.
He said, “Initial assessments indicated that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement; it was eventually verified that one of those neutralised was Buharin Yadi.”
Mr Aruwan explained that Mr Yadi and his brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in the Kidandan/Galadimawa areas of Giwa LGA.
He named other areas that the fallen terrorists had attacked to include Sabon Birni/Kerawa areas of Igabi LGA, communities nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and some parts of Niger and Zamfara.
Mr Aruwan said Mr 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 neighbouring states.
“The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the North-East and North-West.
“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,“ he said.
Mr Aruwan said Governor Uba Sani had expressed his delight at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery, pro-activeness and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.
He quoted the governor as commending Mr Saraso for his sterling leadership and lauded the troops for the comprehensive victory.
“Members of the public are hereby informed that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter,” he said, urging them to report to security agencies.