Northern Nigeria, particularly the North-West region, has seen a sharp rise in violence due to the activities of local militias known as “bandits.” This surge in violence, which began around 2011 with tensions between Hausa farmers and Fulani pastoralists, has escalated in recent years, particularly in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states. The bandits have terrorized villages with increasing boldness, prompting a significant response from security forces. In recent months, the Nigerian military has intensified its efforts against these criminal groups, including a series of airstrikes targeting bandit strongholds. In May, Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru reported that coordinated efforts among the Service Chiefs and allied agencies had led to the elimination of over 9,300 bandits and insurgents, with 7,000 arrests made in the past year. A recent major breakthrough occurred with the death of Kachalla Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader and arms supplier. Sububu, who operated a substantial mining site in Dan-Kamfani, Anka Local Government Area, and owned thousands of cattle in the Sububu Forest, was killed in a significant military operation. The Nigerian Army has compiled a list of prominent bandit leaders who have been neutralized, reflecting their ongoing commitment to combatting banditry. The following are some of the key figures confirmed killed: 1. Kachalla Halilu Sububu – Notorious bandit leader with extensive criminal operations. 2. Buhari Alhaji Halidu (“Buharin Yadi”) – Infamous for terrorizing regions in Giwa, Sabon Birni, and surrounding areas. 3. Dangote – Killed in a clash with Kachalla Dankarami’s camp. 4. Boderi Isyaku – Known for kidnapping students and attacking the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2021. 5. Kachalla Dan Chaki – Prominent bandit leader. 6. Dogo Gudali – Another significant figure in the banditry network. 7. Dogo Rabe – Killed in an Air Force strike in Zamfara and Katsina. 8. Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga – Eliminated in a raid in Gusami Forest and Tsamre village. 9. **Rufai Maikaji** – Led a group of over a hundred bandits. 10. **Ya’u** – Killed in an ambush; known for using heavy weaponry to terrorize communities. 11. Alhaji Karki – Killed while attacking a military unit; previously repented but returned to banditry. 12. Bandit leader “Yellow” – Targeted in airstrikes across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states. The Nigerian Army continues its rigorous operations to dismantle bandit networks and restore stability to the affected regions. The military’s actions reflect a broader strategy to curb the rising threat of banditry and secure Northern Nigeria from ongoing violence. |