In a significant victory against terrorism, the troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch have neutralised a notorious terrorist kingpin, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, alias Buharin Yadi, along with dozens of his fighters. The operation took place around Idasu Forest, located at the boundary between Giwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.
Buharin Yadi was a feared bandit leader responsible for terrorising Northern Nigeria for over a decade. The Kaduna State government confirmed that he had connections with other deadly terrorist groups operating in the North-East and North-West regions.
According to a security report, the troops launched a covert operation in response to intelligence reports about terrorist movements from the Samunaka and Saulawa areas of Katsina State. On reaching Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed, with evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.
Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated that the terrorist leader was neutralised in a fierce battle coordinated by the Commander and General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso. The battle saw the troops pummel the terrorists with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri before bravely advancing through an ambush.
Initial assessments indicated that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement. Among the casualties was confirmed to be Kachalla Buharin Yadi. His reign of terror spanned several areas, including Kidandan/Galadimawa in Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa in Igabi LGA, parts of Sabuwa LGA in Katsina State, and even parts of Niger and Zamfara States.
Buharin Yadi was infamous for large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading, and drug trafficking. His gang was responsible for pillaging communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens across Kaduna and neighboring states. His death marks the end of a five-year manhunt, bringing immense relief and widespread celebrations among the locals.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani commended Major General Saraso for his leadership and praised the troops for their victory. He reassured the security forces of the state's continued support and urged citizens to report individuals with suspicious injuries to security agencies.
The Kaduna State Security Operations Room remains available 24 hours a day to receive such reports on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.
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