From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared one Halilu Buzu wanted, in connection with several kidnappings and killing of over 19 villagers in Katsina and Zamfara States.
Buzu, said to be a Nigerien terrorists’ sponsor and financier, owns a gold mine in Zamfara State and engages in massive cattle rustling.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who made the disclosure at a media briefing in Abuja, said Buzu settled in Subbubu Forest and lives in Shinkafi Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
Gen. Buba said military authorities got to know about the terrorists following intelligence provided to the locals about his active gold mine, where he mines the solid minerals and sells to foreign buyers. Buba called on the public to provide useful information that may lead to the arrest of the terrorist.
Speaking on the atrocities of the terrorist, Buba, said: “Troops are in hunt of one, Halilu Buzu, a terrorist leader that hails from Buzu in the Republic of Niger. He settled in Subbubu Forest and lives in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. His camp and illegal gold mine are located at Kawayi in Anka LGA of Zamfara State, where he has a lot of boys working for him”.
“Halilu is also a prominent cattle rustler and illegal gold miner. Last week, his boys killed 19 villagers at Farar Kasa. He is a high value target and, therefore, declared wanted. Meanwhile, he is one of several others that we would be declaring wanted. Additionally, Halilu is a major arms supplier, trusted by arms dealers from supplying arms from Libya.
“When troops close in on him, he moves across the border into the Republic of Niger for refuge. At this time, we are, through appropriate channels, calling on the Nigerian authorities to apprehend and hold him accountable for his atrocities.
“These categories of terrorists are relentlessly targeted by troops, such that we will be able to strike them out and take them off the battlefield as soon as possible.
“It is clear that the fate of the terrorists perpetrating insecurity in our nation will be violent and short. Troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield.
“Accordingly, troops are hunting senior terrorists’ leadership that are of operational importance in terms of coordination of the terrorist attacks against troops and citizens. Troops are also hunting those that are of symbolic value, including all those declared wanted.”