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By: Zagazola Makama
Following the death of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Halilu Sububu, investigations have revealed the current state of Sububu Forest, a vast and notorious stronghold of banditry straddling Maradun and Bakura Local Government Areas in Zamfara State, and parts of Sokoto State.
Halilu Sububu, a feared warlord who terrorized Eastern Sokoto for 12 years, was killed in an ambush in Mayanchi Forest by the Nigerian Troops of Operation Fansan Yanma. His death marked a significant victory for security forces, bringing an end to his years of terror, extortion, kidnappings, armed trade and other atrocities inflicted on communities in the North Western region.
Before his death, Sububu has over 2000 fighters controlled several villages, forcing residents to pay levies for safe passage through areas such as Gundumi, Shinkafi, and Isa. His influence extended across Nigeria and into Niger Republic, with loyal lieutenants, including Shehu Regeb, Lawali Dodo, and Ali Dan Oga. Some of these associates have since gone underground, while others remain active.
Despite the elimination of Halilu Sububu, Sububu Forest continues to harbor dangerous bandit groups and their commanders, who operate with impunity. Sources confirmed the presence of heavily armed factions under the leadership of key bandit leaders such as:Kachalla Haru, Kachalla Mai Dan Kini, Kachalla Chomo, Kachalla Bello (Vice to Halilu), Kachalla Kwashen Garwa, Kachalla Hana Zuwa and Kachallah Bello Turji.
Each leader controls specific territories, deploying armed foot militants to enforce control and perpetuate criminal activities.
Key Bandit Camps in Sububu Forest; Kachalla Mai Dan Kini: Operates from the western part of Tubali and extends to the outskirts of Jaijaiye Forest. Kachalla Chomo: Controls areas from Galadi to Gidan Rijiya, bordering Kuka Tara and Gundumi Forest. Kachalla Kwashen Garwa: Manages camps west of Tangyaloli, stretching to Rudunu. Kachalla Bello (Vice to Halilu): Operates between Zaman Gira and Faru. Kachalla Hana Zuwa: Has camps from Gidan Rijiya to Indiru, deep within Sububu Forest.
Bello Turji: Remains the most active, with camps stretching from Sububu to Gandi, Gora, Ruwan Bado, and Jan Bako. Turji’s influence extends as far as Ruwan Maradun, with intelligence suggesting he recently drove out rival groups.
Sources revealed that some of these groups still carry out violent raids, with Turji occasionally launching incursions into neighboring areas. Many camps remain fortified with sophisticated weapons, while wounded bandits are being treated deep within Sububu Forest.
The continued presence of these bandits, calls for sustained military operations to rid the forest of criminal elements. Sububu Forest remains a strategic location for bandit activities, posing a significant challenge to security forces working to restore peace in the region.
