On September 12, the Nigerian military killed Kachalla Halilu Sububu, a notorious terrorist in Zamfara State, marking a significant victory celebrated by anti-terrorism experts.

The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime highlights that Sububu’s range of illegal activities, including cattle rustling, kidnapping, and gold mining, underscores the significance of the military operation in the northwest state.

“Initially involved in cattle rustling, he shifted his focus to kidnapping and arms trafficking in 2019. And by 2022, he had established himself as the bandit leader with the biggest share of gold mines under his control.”

Like Sububu, the Nigerian military eliminated several terrorists’ leaders this year, including notorious names such as Buharin Yadi, Dangote, Boderi Isyaku and Dogo Rabe. In fact, the military said 500 terrorism kingpins were taken out in 2024.

“Halidu was neutralised in a fierce battle with the troops under the coordination of their commander, General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso. This took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa Local Government Area(LGA) of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State,” said Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna State commissioner for home affairs and internal security in June.

Similarly, the Nigerian military said it killed 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 and rescued 6376 victims during various operations across the country in 2024.

“Troops recovered 53,101,430 litres of stolen crude oil, 9,179,181 litres of illegally refined AGO and 90,595 litres of DPK. Others are 156,095 litres of PMS amongst other items,” Edward Buba, a major-general and director of Defence Media Operations, said.

Buba noted that the troops also recovered 8,216 weapons and 211,459 rounds of ammunition.