A well-known bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, also called Buzu, who caused fear in Zamfara and nearby states, was killed in a military ambush.
He and his fighters were shot dead by Nigerian troops during a battle on Thursday.
Sources say Buzu and his gang were ambushed by soldiers at Kwaren-Kirya village along the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara State. Many of his men were killed during the attack, but only three motorcycles from the group managed to escape.
A resident of Mayanchi village shared that the bandits were crossing a stream when soldiers attacked them, killing Buzu and most of his fighters. The military also recovered their weapons and motorcycles.
The local people are celebrating the death of Buzu. “We are more than happy today. We sincerely commend the Nigerian troops and we hope they will sustain the tempo until they capture or kill Turji and the rest of the bandits. We are tired of this banditry,” said a resident. Cann
Buzu, originally from Niger Republic, lived in the forest in Zamfara. He often went back to his country after his criminal activities in Nigeria. He controlled illegal gold mining sites in the Bagega area and nearby communities in Zamfara.
In May, the Nigerian military declared Buzu a wanted man due to his violent attacks in many communities across Zamfara, including Maradun, Faru, and Kaura Namoda.
Another resident, Aminu Shehu, praised the soldiers but urged them to continue their efforts. “We have confidence in the Nigerian Army and if the necessary support is given to them, they will surely crush all the bandits in the region within no time,” he said.
The Nigerian military confirmed that Buzu was killed as part of their ongoing operations. According to Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the military used intelligence to plan the ambush and eliminate the bandits.
During the mission, 38 terrorists were killed, and many weapons were seized, including rocket-propelled grenades and rifles.
