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The recent successes achieved in the fight against terrorists and bandits across the country has instilled a renewed sense of hope among communities that had long lived in fear, writes ’LAOLU AFOLABI
Across the northwestern, northeastern, and north-central regions of Nigeria, a profound sense of relief and jubilation is sweeping through communities that have long endured the scourge of banditry and terrorism. After years marked by extortion, violence, and fear, the Nigerian military’s recent successes have reignited hope among locals that the end of these criminal reigns may finally be within reach.
From the northwest front, it was a celebration galore. The northeast and parts of the north-central are also celebrating the military after successful operations against bandits and terrorists. For them, it was a relief from their distress. From the military leaders to the governors and even President Bola Tinubu, the recent victories of the Nigerian military brought succour and a hope of the beginning of the end to banditry in the country.
Locals trooped out after every successful encounter with the bandits by the military. The people were seen in videos celebrating the military after successful operations against bandits in their localities. Seeing the dead bodies of those who once terrorised them, forcibly took their produce, and demanded ‘customs fees’ for their harvest could only bring great joy. From Suleja in the North-Central state of Niger to the affected towns in Zamfara, up to Sokoto and the remotest parts of Borno, it was jubilation galore as troops demonstrated bravery after fierce exchanges of gunfire, leading to the neutralisation of these terror forces.
Nigerian soldiers were being hailed from far and near, even from the so-called human rights groups. The northerners have nothing but praise for the military. The elimination of notorious figures like Halilu Sububu, also known as Halilu Buzu or Kachalla Halilu Tubali, a prominent figure in the banditry networks of northwestern Nigeria, who led a group notorious for kidnapping, murder, and illegal activities such as gunrunning and gold mining and the ISWAP commander, Ibn Kasir, highlights the progress in dismantling terrorist networks. This success reflects a broader, coordinated effort to reclaim control over bandit-ravaged regions and restore peace to northern Nigeria. Locals celebrate these victories, viewing them as a sign of hope and a potential end to the widespread banditry that has disrupted their lives.
Armed gangs have been terrorising the northwest region for years. They are masterminding frequent bouts of abduction, maiming, sexual violence and killings of citizens across vast swaths of northern Nigeria. They number in the tens of thousands but go around in dozens, sometimes more. They also often announce their presence by riding mostly motorcycles and sometimes horses into towns and villages they invade, with a seemingly endless supply of ammunition.
Many of the groups are believed to comprise mostly ethnic Fulani, including pastoralists and mercenaries from the region as well as neighbouring Chad and the Niger Republic. On several occasions, aside from their operations in the northwest, they have kidnapped schoolchildren in various parts of Niger, Kebbi and Yobe states. Other victims of their kidnapping-for-ransom scheme range across all social classes, from politicians and members of their families to monarchs, imams, clergymen, security guards and farmers.
In August, the Defence Headquarters released a report showcasing the significant strides in counterinsurgency and security operations nationwide. The figures were remarkable: 1,166 terrorists were neutralised, 1,096 arrested, and 721 kidnapped individuals were rescued. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, detailed the extent of the military’s achievements. Troops recovered 391 weapons and 15,234 rounds of ammunition, including 208 AK-47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump-action shotguns, and a substantial quantity of specialised ammunition. These operations not only disrupted the terrorist networks but also dealt a serious blow to their capacity for violence.
One of the most notable successes in August was the elimination of several high-profile terrorist commanders in the North-East. Figures such as Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (alias Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda, and Abu Rijab were taken down, signalling a decisive shift in the power dynamics of the region. The impact of these eliminations was profound, shaking the core of terrorist networks and sowing disarray among their ranks.
In July, the DHQ reported the elimination of 125 terrorists, the arrest of 200 others, and the rescue of 140 hostages. Earlier in June, the military’s operations led to the elimination of 75 insurgents and the recovery of various weapons, including an anti-aircraft gun and rocket-propelled bombs.
The recent arrest of five notorious gunrunners and the recovery of arms and ammunition in Plateau State further highlight the military’s commitment to addressing the illegal arms trade that fuels banditry. The ongoing pressure on bandits, including the reported flight of hundreds of bandits from their stronghold in Katsina State, illustrates the effectiveness of the security forces’ efforts in reclaiming control over affected areas.
The military’s achievements have been further bolstered by local successes. In Katsina State, the courageous youth of the Makera community in Dutsin-ma Local Government Area made headlines for their bravery. The community successfully repelled a night attack by bandits, driving them out of their village. This act of defiance has become a beacon of hope, inspiring other communities to rise and defend themselves against the persistent threat of banditry. The Makera youth’s victory highlights the growing trend of local resistance against banditry, showing that community solidarity and vigilance can make a significant difference.
The momentum of the military’s recent successes is evident in the ongoing operations across various states. In Katsina State, security forces freed nine kidnapping victims, highlighting the continued efforts to rescue individuals held by bandits. Additionally, a daring attack by over 100 bandits in Niger State was swiftly countered by DSS personnel and the Nigerian Air Force, leading to heavy losses for the attackers. The Nigerian Army’s Operation Hadarin Daji also reported the neutralisation of 38 terrorists and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons, further demonstrating the effectiveness of the military’s strategy.
The elimination of other notorious figures, such as Halilu Sububu and ISWAP commander Ibn Kasir, underscores the progress being made in dismantling terrorist and bandit networks. These successes reflect a coordinated, multi-agency effort to reclaim control over bandit-ravaged regions and restore peace to northern Nigeria. The comprehensive approach involves not only targeting key figures but also disrupting the supply chains and logistical support systems that sustain these criminal organisations.
The impact of these victories is particularly evident in Zamfara, where the death of Sububu has created a significant shift in the region’s security dynamics. Sububu, a notorious figure with deep-rooted criminal networks, had controlled significant portions of Zamfara’s illegal gold mining operations, which provided financial backing for his bandit activities. His death represents a major victory in the fight against the estimated 40,000 bandits operating in northern Nigeria as it not only weakens the organisational structure of the bandits but also disrupts their operational capacity, creating a power vacuum that has left his followers in disarray. Sububu’s death sends a powerful message to other bandit leaders still at large, such as Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, and Dankarami.
In the aftermath of Sububu’s death, there is a growing sense of optimism among local communities. The recent series of successful operations has led to a renewed hope that the tide is turning against banditry. Locals in areas such as Mayanchi and Anka have expressed their appreciation for the military’s efforts, viewing these victories as some of the most significant in recent times. The farmers had been forced to pay “levies” and “customs due” by the bandits for their produce, while many of them had even abandoned their farms, a reason food scarcity is on the increase. The precise ambushes and airstrikes carried out by the military have played a crucial role in neutralising dangerous elements and disrupting their operations, thus giving an air of freedom to the locals.
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, commended the military’s efforts, expressing gratitude for the bravery of the troops and urging them to continue their pursuit of remaining terrorists. Ahmad’s sentiments reflect a broader consensus among many Nigerians who are eager to see an end to the widespread banditry that has disrupted lives, economies, and security across the region. The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, acknowledged these successes by awarding N1m to the troops who neutralised Sububu.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State expressed profound relief at the news of Sububu’s demise. Lawal described Sububu’s death as a significant milestone, marking the end of one of the most powerful and well-connected bandit kingpins in northern Nigeria. “I am one of the happiest persons concerning what we are going through in Zamfara State as far as banditry is concerned. As you know, Halilu Sububu was one of the major kingpins in terms of banditry in Zamfara State and the northern part of the country. He controlled a large chunk of bandits, was full of money, well-connected in terms of sourcing for arms and so on, and today that guy is no more. It should be a different thing now, you know they (Sububu’s followers) don’t have what it takes, they don’t have the capacity like Halilu Sububu, so right now, they are in total disarray, including the likes of Turji,” Lawal said.
In the broader context of national security, President Bola Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the military’s performance, particularly in the northwest where high-profile bandits like Sububu and Sani Wala Burki were neutralised, and 13 kidnapped students were freed in Kaduna. The President praised the synergy between the military, intelligence agencies, and security forces, promising continued support to restore security across the nation.
The successes followed the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the North-West until normalcy is restored. At a press briefing earlier in September, the CDS, Gen Musa, vowed to ensure notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, is captured soon. He said the troops are going after the terrorist, adding that his capture is imminent, though it might take time.
On the alleged imposition of levy on communities by the terrorist kingpin, the CDS said the military is working with other security agencies and the state government to provide adequate protection for the citizens.
Reiterating the stance when he paid a courtesy visit to the Zamfara governor, Gen Musa said Turji’s day are numbered, as he announced the killing of Sububu, a bandit leader operating in Western Zamfara as another success by the troops.
New operations are on the horizon, as the CDS says the military will establish a theatre command dedicated to combating banditry. This new command, according to him, will be a joint effort involving police, customs, military, Department of State Services, immigration, and civil defense forces. The deployment of T-129 ATAK helicopters, which have already proven effective in the Niger Delta, will soon be focused on the North. This development signals a significant escalation in the fight against bandits, with enhanced aerial capabilities aimed at disrupting their operations and providing greater support to ground forces.
Gen Musa reiterated the military’s commitment to bringing every bandit leader to justice. The establishment of the new Theatre Command under Operation Fansar Yamma Northwest aims to sustain the pressure on remaining bandits and tighten the noose around their operations. This strategic initiative is designed to ensure that the gains achieved in recent operations are not only maintained but also expanded.
