Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs state commissioner, Samuel Aruwan in a statement yesterday announced that a terrorism mastermind Buharin Yadi who operated in Kaduna and other northern Nigeria states has been killed by Nigerian security forces.
Aruwan posited that Yadi was one of the deadliest head honcho of banditry causing mayhem in Northern Nigeria for more than ten years before meeting his waterloo.
He said “The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror. Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops (under the coordination of their Commander, also the General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso) which took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State”.
Adding that the troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka, Saulawa area of Katsina State. “On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits. A ferocious battle quickly followed, as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri. The troops then fought bravely through an ambush, to attain their objective. Initial assessments indicate that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement”, the statement reads in part.
Aruwan also said it was eventually verified that one of those killed was Kachalla Buharin Yadi. “The kingpin, Halidu (also known as Buharin Yadi or Buhari Janar) and the brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA. His reign of terror extended to Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and indeed some parts of Niger and Zamfara states.
“Buharin Yadi was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading and drug trafficking. He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighboring states. The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the North-east and North-west,” Aruwan added.
Adding that Governor Uba Sani was delighted with the development, and described it as an attestation to the bravery, pro-activeness and efficiency of the troops who took part in the efforts that led to the death of Yadi – Aruwan also said the breakthrough brought to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist, which stretched more than five years ago. “The news of his demise spread like wildfire, triggering massive relief and widespread celebrations among locals spanning Kaduna and Katsina states”.
