Full List of Notorious Bandits Leaders Killed By Nigerian Military

Northern Nigeria, especially the North-West region, is facing a surge in violence linked to local militias, commonly referred to as “bandits.”

The conflict, which began in 2011 due to clashes between Hausa farmers and Fulani pastoralists, has intensified in recent years, particularly affecting the states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina.

These bandits have spread fear and disorder in rural communities, operating with increasing boldness and a sense of impunity.

In response, security forces have stepped up their efforts, conducting numerous operations against these criminal groups. The Nigerian military has also launched several air strikes aimed at disrupting bandit strongholds.

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In May, Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru reported significant progress. He announced that a coordinated effort among the Service Chiefs and other security agencies had led to the elimination of over 9,300 bandits and insurgents, with an additional 7,000 arrests made in the past year.

One of the most notable recent developments was the successful operation by the Nigerian Army, which resulted in the death of Kachalla Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer. Sububu, who was a major figure in the region’s banditry, was active in the Sububu Forest and known for controlling large cattle herds. His death marks a significant blow to bandit activities in the area.

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Despite these successes, many bandit leaders remain at large, continuing to pose a serious threat to the region’s security.

Here is a list of some of the key bandit leaders killed, as confirmed by the military:

1. Halilu Sububu
2. Buhari Alhaji Halidu, also known as “Buharin Yadi” – Terrorized the Kidandan/Galadimawa areas of Giwa LGA, Igabi LGA, and parts of Niger and Zamfara states.
3. A kingpin known as Dangote – Killed in a gunfight with Kachalla Dankarami’s camp in the Dumbunrun Forest between Batsari and Jibia LGAs in Katsina State.
4. Boderi Isyaku – Responsible for the 2021 kidnapping of 39 students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization and the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
5. Kachalla Dan Chaki
6. Dogo Gudali
7. Dogo Rabe – Killed in an Air Force strike during an operation targeting terrorists between the Zurmi and Birnin Magaji areas of Zamfara State, and Jibia in Katsina.
8. Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga – Eliminated alongside their gang members in a raid on their hideouts in Gusami Forest and Tsamre village, Zamfara State.
9. Rufai Maikaji – A notorious leader who commanded over 100 fighters in the region.
10. Ya’u – Killed in an ambush by troops in Burra, Ningi, where his gang had terrorized local communities using heavy weaponry.
11. Alhaji Karki – Killed while attempting to overrun a military unit in Niger State. Karki had once repented but later returned to crime, leading violent attacks in Niger.
12. Bandit leader Yellow – Operated camps in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states before being killed in air strikes by the Nigerian Air Force in Katsina and Zamfara.

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