Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his satisfaction over the recent military operation that resulted in the death of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu, stating that the remaining bandits, including Bello Turji, are now in disarray.
During an interview on Monday, Governor Lawal stated that the surviving bandits in the state lacked the strength and resources that Sububu had.
“I am one of the happiest persons regarding the fight against banditry in Zamfara State. Halilu Sububu was a major kingpin, not just in Zamfara but across the northern region,” said the governor. “He had significant control over the bandits, access to substantial financial resources, and connections for acquiring arms. But now, he’s gone.”
Lawal emphasised that Sububu’s death has caused disarray among his followers, including other notable bandits such as Turji. “They don’t have the capacity like Halilu Sububu, so right now they are in total disarray.”
The governor stated that Sububu’s removal has provided relief to Zamfara and other states, which had long been terrorised by his outfit. He also complimented the Nigerian military and other security forces for their unwavering efforts to apprehend the renowned criminal.
Sububu, an indigene of Niger Republic, was killed last Thursday in an ambush by Nigerian troops in Kwaren Kirya, located in Zamfara’s Maru Local Government Area. Known for gunrunning and operating illegal gold mines in the Bagega region, Sububu had a stronghold over local communities and mining sites. He was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in May.
In the coordinated operation by troops from Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji, Sububu was killed along with 50 of his fighters.