Troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Punch, have killed notorious bandit, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, also known as Buharin Yadi, during an operation in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The infamous terrorist kingpin, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorizing Northern Nigeria for the past decade, was killed along with 35 members of his gang. According to a statement by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, Buharin Yadi and his gang members were neutralized during a fierce gun battle with troops of Operation Whirl Punch.
The Battle was led by Major General Mayirenso Saraso, the General Officer Commanding One Division, who conducted the operation around Idasu forest, at the boundary between Giwa local government in Kaduna State and Sabuwa local government in Katsina State.
Aruwan stated that the covert operation began in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movements from Samunaka, Saulawa area of Katsina State. Upon advancing to Samunaka, the troops discovered a destroyed settlement and slaughtered cattle, 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.” It was later confirmed that one of those neutralized was Kachalla Buharin Yadi.
According to the Kaduna State government, Buharin Yadi and his gang had been terrorizing citizens in the Kidandan/Galadimawa areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa areas of Igabi LGA, and other locations in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, as well as parts of Niger and Zamfara States. He was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading, and drug trafficking, and had led his gang in pillaging communities, and slaughtering and kidnapping thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighboring states. He was also linked with other deadly terrorist groups in the North-East and North-West.
The killing of Buharin Yadi marks the end of a manhunt by security forces that stretched over five years. News of his demise spread quickly, triggering massive relief and celebrations among locals in Kaduna and Katsina States.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, expressed his elation at the development, calling it a testament to the bravery, proactiveness, and efficiency of the troops involved. The Governor commended Major General Saraso for his leadership and lauded the troops for their comprehensive victory. He reassured security forces in Kaduna State of his unwavering support and the continued collaborative stance of the government.
Due to the injuries sustained by some fleeing bandits, the Kaduna State government has alerted residents to avoid assisting individuals with suspicious injuries and to report such cases to security agencies immediately.
