The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa has announced a cash reward of one million Naira for the troops that killed notorious Zamfara bandit commander Kachallah Buzu.
On Friday, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) killed Kachallah Buzu and several of his fighters, in Mayanchi village of Zamfara state.
Kachalla, who had strong connections in the movement of weapons into Nigeria, also served as a mentor to many bandits’ gang leaders such as Bello Turji and the like.
The elated CDS, while reacting to the successful operation, has now offered the cash reward to the troops involved in the offensive against Buzu and the other fighters during his visit to Zamfara State.
The CDS had also said time is ticking against another bandit leader, Turji Bello, and other bandits and terrorists as troops are committed to ending insecurity in Zamfara and the North West Zone.
Earlier, Pesident Bola Tinubu Tinubu asked security forces to maintain momentum while commending them for enhanced national security, urging persistence until all threats are eradicated completely and permanently.
“President Bola Tinubu receives with relief the news of the strings of successful operations against security threats in the north-west by troops of the Nigerian military,” the statement reads.
“He says the success of the operations gives further assurance that our security operatives are up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of the nation.
“Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday, neutralised a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, who had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria. The troops also killed another terrorist Sani Wala Burki in a Joint Operation in Katsina, and busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were freed.
“The successful operations follow the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is restored.”
The president lauded the military’s bravery, intelligence agencies’ expertise, and troops’ dedication, assuring them of his continued support to ensure the nation’s safety and security.commended the Nigerian Army for their successful counter-insurgency operations in the north-west.
Meanwhile, some residents of Sokoto and environs have celebrated the demise of the notorious bandits’ kingpin.
The residents on Saturday hailed the gallant achievement of the Nigerian Army and prayed that the killing of Buzu would open the way for the elimination and capture of many other gangsters like Bello Turji and others.
In an exciting mode, Aliyu Shugaba-Maiyadi, the chairman, Coalition of Traders’ Association, commended the efforts and praised the military in their fight against the scourge of banditry in Sokoto and Zamfara and, by extension, the north-west region.
Shugaba-Maiyadi said the bravery and swift action of the military “is commendable” and expressed gratitude for ending the reign of terror unleashed by ”Kachallah Halilu Buzu Sububu” and his cohorts.
He described the victory as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting the lives and livelihoods of the citizens.
He said the people of Sokoto state, through various mediums, have indeed expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, the Nigerian Army and all other security agencies over their patriotic commitment to end the security challenges in the region.
He assured continued support and prayers for total success in the ongoing assaults against bandits and their hideouts.
”People of Sokoto State and surrounding communities can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the military is steadfast in its resolve to protect them.
”The victory is a morale booster to both troops and the general public. Therefore, we urge them to continue with their relentless efforts in pursuit of those who seek to harm innocent citizens, ” he pleaded.
Another resident, Balarabe Maikano, noted that the successful operation served as a testament to the effectiveness of the strategy adopted by the Nigerian Army and its commitment to ridding the region of banditry and terrorism.