Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa

Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Katsina, and the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, have neutralized notorious bandit kingpin, Kamilu Chiroma, also known as Buzaro, along with several of his gang members in Katsina State.

The operation took place in the early hours of Monday, February 17.

Security agencies had intensified counter-banditry operations across the Northwestern part of the country, targeting terrorists’ strongholds responsible for attacks on communities.

This was disclosed on Tuesday by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert focused on the Lake Chad region, in a post on his X handle.

Makama said he was informed by intelligence sources that the operation, followed actionable intelligence and reconnaissance, indicating that Buzaro and his men had set up defensive positions around the hills.

They were reported to have armed themselves with sophisticated weapons and prepared to ambush advancing troops.

However, acting on the information, an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform was deployed to scan the area, confirming the bandits’ movements and fortifications.

According to the security expert, ground forces halted terrorists’ advance while fighter jets were tasked to conduct precise airstrikes on the hideout.

Makama further disclosed that the bombardment was highly successful, taking the bandits by surprise and neutralizing a significant number of Buzaro’s fighters.

“Impeccable sources who witnessed the attack reported that several motorcycles used by the gang were destroyed, along with a cache of weapons.

“In the aftermath of the damaging assult, ground troops moved in to clear the area, engaging any remaining threats and securing the location.

“Top military official described the mission as “very successful,” emphasizing that it has dealt a major blow to bandit operations in the region,” Makama said.