NAF special forces kill terrorist kingpin, Halilu Sububu, 38 others

Nigerian Air Force, on Friday, said its special forces have killed a notorious terrorist kingpin, Halilu Sububu.

Recall that in 2021, Sububu and his fighters made an audacious attack on a military base in Katsina, killing many soldiers.

Sububu had been terrorising communities in Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna States from his base in Zamfara.

NAF special forces eliminated Sububu a few hours after the Nigerian Army announced the killing of another terrorist kingpin in Zamfara State, Halilu Buzu.

NAF Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain, Kabiru Ali, who confirmed Sububu’s death in a statement on Friday, disclosed that 38 other terrorists were killed in Zamfara on September 12.

Ali said, “In a decisive joint operation led by three personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, a notorious bandit, Halilu Sububu, and over 38 terrorists were neutralized during an engagement near Mayanchi on 12 September 2024. The operation was part of an ongoing effort by NAF and ground forces to exploit intelligence and secure the area following contact with hostile elements.”

The NAF spokesman added that three PKT machine guns, five AK-47 rifles, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres were recovered from the terrorists.

He further said, “NAF Special Forces of Operation HADARIN DAJI, in the company of other ground troops, initiated a follow-up exploitation mission after troops encountered terrorists in the vicinity of Mayanchi. During the mission, it was confirmed that 38 terrorists had been neutralized, with 4 bodies retrieved for verification.

“In addition to the elimination of the terrorists, a significant cache of weapons was recovered, including 2 Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, 1 RPG bomb, 3 PKT machine guns, 5 AK-47 rifles, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres.

“This operation underscores the effectiveness and professionalism of the NAF Special Forces in leading critical missions in conjunction with other services aimed at neutralizing threats and maintaining national security.”