Operatives of the Nigerian army have killed an infamous terrorist, Buharin Yadi, who is said to be one of the most notorious terror cell leader terrorizing northern Nigeria over the last decade.
Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing commissioner, ministry of internal security and home affairs in Kaduna state confirmed in a statement on Thursday. The commissioner said troops of sector 6 operation whirl punch rained down fire on the kingpin whose real name is Buhari Alhaji Halidu (but popularly referred to as Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts and exterminating them.
Aruwan said the troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka, Saulawa area of Katsina state. He added that on advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits. According to him, the merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the northeast and northwest.
“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 neutralized was Kachalla Buharin Yadi,” the statement read.
The Kaduna State government 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 neighboring 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 that the killing of Buharin Yadi therefore, brings to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist which stretched more than five years.
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.
On his part, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, expressed his appreciation to the troops and their operations which he described as a pointer to the bravery, pro-activeness and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.
The Governor commended the GOC, Major General Saraso for his sterling leadership, and lauded the troops for the comprehensive victory.
Governor Sani reassured security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and the continued collaborative stance of the Government.
As a result of the injuries sustained by some of the fleeing bandits, the Kaduna State government has alerted residents of the state not to render assistance to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but to immediately report such to security agencies.
