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.
Speaking during an interview on on Monday, Governor Lawal highlighted that the remaining bandits in the state lack the strength and resources that Sububu commanded.
“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 emphasized that Sububu’s death has left his followers, including other notorious bandits like Turji, in confusion. “They don’t have the capacity like Halilu Sububu, so right now they are in total disarray.”
The governor noted that Sububu’s elimination has brought a sense of relief to Zamfara and neighboring states that have long been terrorized by his group. He also praised the Nigerian military and other security forces for their relentless efforts in neutralizing the notorious 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.