In the heart of Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states, a wave of relief and celebration is flooding the streets and villages. The recent disappearance of the feared gang leader, Halilu Sububu, who was shot dead by the Nigerian armed forces, is still at the heart of discussions two weeks after the event. This outcome marks a decisive turning point for the inhabitants of these regions, previously prey to terror and insecurity.
Halilu Sububu, real name Halilu Jammare, had spread terror and chaos in the affected states, but also throughout Nigeria. Of mixed origin, with a mother from Niger Republic and a father from Jajjaye, near Sububu, in Zamfara State, he had carved out a reputation for himself as a supplier of weapons to terrorist groups operating in the Sahel region, stretching from Mali to Senegal, via Niger and Burkina Faso. His notoriety was based on his involvement in arms smuggling and illegal mining, fueling a network of violence and large-scale crime.
The reign of terror orchestrated by this gang leader left deep scars in the memories of local populations. His audacious attacks, such as the assault on a military base in Katsina in 2021, caused many losses of life among soldiers. Entire regions were at the mercy of his ruthless and ruthless cruelty. His criminal empire stretched from the forests of Sububu to the borders of Niger, where he took refuge after his atrocities in Nigeria. His clandestine mining operations in and around Bagega were a source of colossal profits, at the expense of local communities held hostage.
Villagers lived in fear and anguish, every day facing the imminent threat of Sububu’s gangs. Farmers, parents, children, all were in the grip of this omnipresent terror. The cruelty and brutality of this gang leader had become the daily lot of the residents, forcing them to live in the darkness of his tyranny.
However, the death of Sububu in a daring ambush on September 12, 2024 in Kwaren Kirya community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, marked a major turning point in the fight against terrorism and criminality in the area. The armed forces successfully neutralized the gang leader and 38 of his associates, ending an era of terror.
The recovery of arms and ammunition during the operation shed light on the magnitude of Sububu’s criminal activities. The seized AK-47 assault weapons, PKT machine guns, ammunition and magazines are testimony to the arsenal at the disposal of this criminal network, ready to wreak havoc at any time.
The disappearance of Sububu has sparked scenes of jubilation and joy in the streets and villages