DHQ Launches Manhunt for Nigerien Terror Leader, Halilu Buzu

DHQ Launches Manhunt for Nigerien Terror Leader, Halilu Buzu

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared Halilu Buzu, a notorious terror leader from Niger, wanted.

Buzu, who operates in Zamfara State, has been identified as a high-value target due to his involvement in coordinating terrorist attacks against both troops and civilians.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba, made the declaration on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the military operations across the country in Abuja.

According to General Buba, troops are actively engaged in various theatres of operation across the country, focusing on dismantling the military capabilities and will to fight of terrorists and their cohorts. This includes targeting senior terrorist leaders responsible for orchestrating attacks against security forces and innocent civilians.

He said Halilu Buzu, known for his involvement in illegal activities such as cattle rustling and illegal gold mining, has recently been linked to a massacre in Farar Kasa where 19 villagers lost their lives. His camp and illegal gold mine, located in Zamfara State, serve as operational bases for his terrorist activities.

He noted that Buzu is implicated as a major arms supplier, facilitating the flow of weapons from Libya, and often seeks refuge across the border in Niger to evade capture when pressure mounts from Nigerian forces.

Buba said during the past week, Nigerian troops have made significant strides in the fight against terrorism, neutralizing 227 terrorists and apprehending 529 individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Additionally, 253 kidnapped hostages have been rescued, and 11 perpetrators of oil theft have been arrested.

He said. “Troops recovered 231 assorted weapons and 6,441 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 89 AK47 rifles, 40 locally fabricated gun, 59 dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 8 locally fabricated pistols, 6 x 36 hand grenade, 3 IED, one RPG 7 tubes, one RPG 7 charger, 4 AGL rounds, one barrel of QJC Gun, one barrel of PKT with receiver, one barrel of Dushka Gun, 250kg bombs used by NATO and Eastern Bloc aircraft and one MRAP.

“Others are: 4,198 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 841 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 5.56mm, 16 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 956 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 242 live cartridges, one PKM magazine, 24 magazines, 6 baofeng radios, 8 vehicles, 69 motorcycles, 66 mobile phones, 12 cutlasses and the sum of N1,630,000.00 only amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 18 dugout pits, 34 boats, 5 drums, 4 receiver, 4 reservoirs and 97 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 198 cooking ovens, 9 vehicles, 3 pumping machines, 2 speedboats, one outboard engine and 57 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 1,442,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 154,650 litres of illegally refined AGO.”

Despite the progress made, Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized that there is still much work to be done. The pursuit of terrorist leaders like Halilu Buzu remains a top priority, along with the recovery of weapons and the dismantling of terrorist networks.

While commenting further, he acknowledged the recent visit of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to Nigeria, praising their efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by veterans.

He expressed gratitude for their advocacy and reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to supporting veterans and serving personnel.

“As operations continue on the ground, Nigerian troops remain steadfast in their resolve to eliminate the threat posed by terrorists and ensure the safety and security of citizens across the country,”  he said.

By PRNigeria