Troops of Operation Whirl Punch have killed 36 bandits, including Buhari Alhaji Halidu, also known as “Buharin Yadi,” one of the most notorious bandit leaders in Northern Nigeria.
Following the operation, residents of the Kaduna-Katsina border communities erupted in celebration.
Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, disclosed this on Thursday in Kaduna.
Aruwan explained that the bandit leader had connections with other terrorist groups in the North-East and North-West regions.
According to the commissioner, Buharin Yadi and his gang had been terrorizing citizens in the Kidandan/Galadimawa areas of Giwa Local Government Area, Sabon Birni/Kerawa areas of Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State, and parts of Sabuwa Local Government Area in Katsina State, as well as regions in Niger and Zamfara states.
“The infamous terrorist Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders in Northern Nigeria over the last decade, has met his end at the hands of security forces,” Aruwan said.
“The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch launched a fierce attack on the bandits, eliminating Buharin Yadi and his cohorts in a battle at the Idasu forest, near the boundary between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.”
The covert operation was initiated based on intelligence reports about terrorist movements from the Samunaka and Saulawa areas of Katsina State. When troops advanced to Samunaka, they found evidence of recent criminal activity, including destroyed settlements and killed cattle.
“A ferocious battle ensued as the troops encountered the terrorists, using artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri. The troops fought bravely through an ambush to achieve their objective, resulting in the elimination of at least 36 bandits,” Aruwan added.
Among those killed was Kachalla Buharin Yadi, known for his involvement in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading, and drug trafficking. His gang had been responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and killings in Kaduna and neighboring states.
The successful operation ended a manhunt for Buharin Yadi that lasted over five years. The news of his death spread quickly, bringing relief and prompting widespread celebrations among locals in Kaduna and Katsina states.
Governor Uba Sani praised the bravery and efficiency of the troops, commending Maj. Gen. Saraso for his leadership.
The public is advised to report individuals with suspicious injuries to security agencies and to avoid offering any assistance to them. The Kaduna State Security Operations Room can be reached 24/7 at 09034000060 and 08170189999.
Special operations against bandits will continue, and citizens are encouraged to provide supportive information to security forces and the government.
