By Tobias Lengnan Dapam & Femi Oyelola , Kaduna
There was massive widespread celebrations among locals spanning Kaduna and Katsina states, over the killing of wanted terrorist, Buharin Yadi and 36 other fighters.
This is as the Military high command on Thursday said its troops during the week under review, neutralised 197 terrorists and arrested 310 persons.
Buharin Yadi is said to be one of the deadliest bandits leaders terrorizing Northern Nigeria in the last decade.
This was contained in a statement by Overseeing Commissioner, Kaduna Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement stated that merciless bandits met his waterloo when 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.
“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, Major General Mayirenso Saraso which took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.
“The troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on the 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.
“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. “
The Statement further added that it was eventually verified that one of those neutralized was Kachalla Buharin Yadi.
It would be recalled that 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 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 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. “
Receiving the report, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani expressed his elation at the development, 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.
“Members of the public are hereby informed that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter. Citizens in the general area and beyond are therefore enjoined not to render assistance (medical or otherwise) to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but to immediately report such to security agencies.
“The Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of this nature on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.”
Also, the Nigeria military said its troops during the week under review, neutralised 197 terrorists and arrested 310 persons.
Major General, Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, stated this on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on the military operations in the country.
He said the armed forces understands that the terrorists exist for the sake of war, and therefore for the sake of peace they must be eliminated. “Our war effort is therefore designed and crafted to defeat and destroy the terrorist as well as dismantle their terror infrastructure across the country.
“Momentum is crucial to our operations and it is the reason we take the fight to the enemy and allow them no respite. Accordingly, our operations are focussed on our war efforts, our mobilization and air strikes to destroy the terrorists.”
Speaking further, he said troops also arrested 22 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 251 kidnapped hostages.
“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Sixty Five Million Six Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand One Hundred Naira (N765,654,100.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 180 assorted weapons and 5,123 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 2 PKT guns, one fabricated Arty gun, one G3 rifle, 73 AK47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated gun, 21 dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 2 revolver rifles, one short dane gun, 3 double barrel guns, 3 single barrel guns, one pistol, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 5 fabricated baretta pistols, one berretta pistol, one jojef magnum pump action gun, one Exp 64 semi auto rifle, 10 hand grenades, 3 60mm mortar bombs, bandoliers and 10 fabricated Arty bombs.
“Others are: 3,207 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,022 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 243 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 240 rounds of 7.62
x 51mm, 132 rounds of 5.56 x 54mm ammo, 143 live cartridges, 59 magazines,
one pistol magazine, one ECOME HH radio, 4 baofeng radios, 4 vehicles, 47 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones and the sum of N1,236,200.00 as well as
CFA 608,000.00 only amongst other items.”
