Nigerian Military Kills Notorious Bandit Leader Halilu Sububu

The Nigerian Army has successfully eliminated Kachalla Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, in a significant operation in northwest Nigeria. Sububu, a prominent figure in regional banditry, was killed by troops from the 1st Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 1 in Balde Village, near Kwaren Kirya, along the Gusau-Sokoto road in Maru Local Government Area.

Sububu, who operated a major mining site in Dan-Kamfani, Anka Local Government Area, and owned thousands of cattle in Sububu Forest, was known for his involvement in training dangerous bandits, including Bello Turji. He was also reputed to have access to advanced weapons and operational vehicles.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, confirmed Sububu’s death during a visit to Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal. The military operation, based on credible intelligence, resulted in the death of Sububu and 37 of his associates, though some managed to escape with injuries. The ambush occurred as Sububu was en route to southern Zamfara State following a ceremony in Bayan Ruwa, Maradun Local Government Area.

An eyewitness, Danlami Nasiru, described the intense firefight, noting, “I saw two military vehicle tires shot out by the bandits, and one soldier emerged from the bush with blood on his hand.”

Sububu had long been a target for the Nigerian Army due to his involvement in numerous criminal activities. His death follows a recent ambush by another bandit group, which resulted in the deaths of three soldiers, four policemen, and the abduction of several civilians, including a foreign worker from SETRACO construction company.

Who Was Halilu Sububu?

Halilu Sububu, also known as Halilu Buzu or Kachalla Halilu Tubali, was a key figure in the banditry networks of northwestern Nigeria. He led a group infamous for kidnapping, murder, and illegal activities such as gunrunning and gold mining. Sububu had previously been listed among the most wanted terrorists and was implicated in the deaths of a drone pilot and a Department of State Services (DSS) operative approximately two months ago.

Impact of Sububu’s Death

Journalist Mannir Fura Girke, who has extensively covered bandit activities in the Zamfara and Sokoto regions, described Sububu’s death as a major victory for both security forces and local communities. Girke suggested that Sububu’s demise could significantly reduce banditry and restore normalcy for farmers in the region.

“This is a substantial blow to banditry in northwestern Nigeria,” Girke told BBC Hausa. “His removal could lead to an end of the banditry crisis in the region, as he was a primary leader controlling these criminal networks.”

The successful operation is expected to enhance ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and improve security for residents.