By ADEMOLA TIJANI
The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa has been seen in a viral video rewarding the soldiers who carried out the operations that led to the killing of a notorious bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, in Zamfara State.
Sububu, popularly known as Buzu, who had been terrorizing residents of Zamfara and neighbouring States, was neutralized in a gun battle with troops from Operation Hadarin Daji on Thursday, September 13.
According to reports, Buzu and his fighters were ambushed and killed at Kwaren-Kirya village, located along the Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara State.
According to the findings of Daily Query,Halilu Sububu, a notorious figure in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, gained infamy for his involvement in various criminal activities and dangerous deals, especially in the realm of banditry, smuggling, and political manipulation. His actions had far-reaching effects on the security and stability of the region
Sububu rose to prominence as a leader of armed bandit groups, especially in the Northwestern States of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina. His influence over these gangs enabled him to control vast areas, which became zones of terror where kidnapping, cattle rustling, and violent raids were rampant. His group, along with others, orchestrated attacks on villages, leaving many dead, displacing thousands, and creating a humanitarian crisis.
One of Sububu’s most notorious activities was his involvement in the kidnapping-for-ransom business, which became a booming criminal enterprise in the region. His gangs targeted both wealthy individuals and regular villagers, abducting them and demanding exorbitant sums for their release. This created widespread fear, making rural areas dangerous for civilians and causing an exodus from affected communities.
In some cases, negotiations for the release of kidnapped victims were made directly with his group, and some reports suggested that political figures and businessmen who fell victim to his operations paid significant ransoms. The wealth accumulated from this criminal activity allegedly fueled further criminal enterprise and the acquisition of arms.
