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The mood in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and other northern Nigerian states is one of relief following the recent killing of notorious bandit kingpin Halilu Sububu by the Nigerian Air Force. Residents have been celebrating the end of his reign of terror for over two weeks.
A Reign of Terror
Halilu Sububu, whose real name was Halilu Jammare, led a violent criminal empire that spread fear across northern Nigeria for years. Known for his deep connections with terrorist groups in the Sahel region, he expanded his activities into gunrunning, illegal mining, and terrorizing communities across Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna states. Sububu’s attacks, including a 2021 military base assault in Katsina that killed several soldiers, left a trail of devastation in his wake.
Sububu controlled large swaths of the Sububu Forest and ran illegal gold mining operations, holding local communities hostage. His influence spread beyond Nigerian borders into Niger Republic, where he frequently retreated after conducting raids in Nigeria. The fear he instilled in villagers was palpable, as farmers paid “access money” to bandits to work on their lands, while parents warned their children to stay close to home.
Sububu Neutralized
On September 12, 2024, Nigerian troops successfully ambushed and killed Sububu in Kwaren Kirya, Zamfara State, after months of tracking him. The operation, which also neutralized 38 other criminals, was hailed as a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism and banditry. Weapons recovered from the operation included five AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Widespread Celebration
The killing of Sububu has been met with jubilation across the region. Villagers who were once terrorized by Sububu and his gang were seen celebrating in viral videos, singing victory songs and expressing their relief. President Bola Tinubu and several northern governors commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their success. Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara described Sububu’s death as a major victory in the fight against banditry, especially given the kingpin’s extensive arms network.
Mixed Reactions Over Soldiers’ Reward
While the bravery of the 26 soldiers who took down Sububu was widely celebrated, the N1 million reward from the Chief of Defence Staff sparked controversy. Many Nigerians felt the amount was insufficient, especially given the magnitude of the soldiers’ sacrifice. Security expert Bulama Bukarti criticized the reward, noting that the bounty on Sububu’s head was N5 million, and the soldiers received just N38,000 each.
Nigerians have since rallied to support the soldiers, with a Facebook show raising N1.8 million for them. The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with calls for greater recognition of the soldiers’ bravery trending under the hashtag #SupportOurSoldiers.
A Turning Point
The killing of Halilu Sububu marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in northern Nigeria, bringing hope to communities that have long suffered under the grip of criminal networks. However, public outcry over the soldiers’ reward underscores the need for further acknowledgment of the military’s role in restoring peace to the region.
