Troops from Operation Whirl Punch have killed 36 bandits, including Buhari Alhaji Halidu,also known as “Buharin Yadi,” one of the deadliest bandit leaders in the North over the years.
Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed this on Thursday in Kaduna.
According to the commissioner, the bandit kingpin and his gang members had been terrorizing citizens in the Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa Local Government Area, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and other locations in the nearby Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State, as well as parts of Niger and Zamfara states.
Aruwan stated, “The infamous terrorist, Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorizing Northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces.”
“The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch opened fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cronies,along idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna and sabuwa LGA of Katsina immediately ending their shameful reign of terror.
“Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops (under the coordination of their Commander, also the General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. M.L.D. Saraso) that took place around Idasu forest at the borders between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.
“The military began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorist activity from Samunaka, Saulawa, Katsina State.
“On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.”
He continued, “A violent struggle rapidly ensued, as incoming terrorists were bombarded with artillery shells at Hayin Almajiri. The troops then heroically fought past an ambush to achieve their goal. According to preliminary reports, at least 36 bandits were killed during the operation.
“It was later 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 terrorizing citizens in the Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA, other locations in the nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and even parts of Niger and Zamfara states.
“Buharin Yadi engaged in large-scale livestock rustling, gun trade, and drug trafficking. He had led his group to pillage communities and massacre and kidnap hundreds of people in Kaduna and nearby states.
“The breakthrough concludes a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist that lasted more than five years. The news of his death spread like wildfire, causing huge relief and widespread rejoicing among residents across Kaduna and Katsina states.
” He characterized Governor Uba Sani as being thrilled to receive the report, characterizing it as a testament to “the bravery, proactiveness, and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.
” According to Aruwan, the governor praised Maj. Gen. Saraso’s excellent leadership and congratulated the troops on their triumph.
“The general public is hereby informed that some of the terrorists received gunshot wounds during the encounter. Citizens in the surrounding area and beyond are accordingly urged not to provide aid (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but rather to promptly report such to security officials.
“The Kaduna State Security Operations Room is accessible 24 hours a day to collect information of this sort at 09034000060 and 08170189999. “Special operations against bandits continue in the surrounding area. Citizens are encouraged to continue providing supportive information to security personnel and the administration,” the commissioner stressed.
