The Nigerian Air Force said a notorious terrorist kingpin, Halilu Sububu has been killed by its special forces.

One of his audacious attacks was on a military base in Katsina in 2021 where many soldiers were killed.

Although based in Zamfara, Sububu terrorises communities in Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna States.

Sububu’s death is coming a few hours after the Nigerian Army announced the death of another terrorist kingpin in Zamfara State, Halilu Buzu.

Confirming the death of Sububu in a statement on Friday, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain, Kabiru Ali, said 38 others were killed in Zamfara on September 12.

He said, “In a decisive joint operation led by three personnel of the Nigerian Air Force Special Forces, a notorious bandit, Halilu Sububu, and over 38 terrorists were neutralized during an engagement near Mayanchi on 12 September 2024. The operation was part of an ongoing effort by NAF and ground forces to exploit intelligence and secure the area following contact with hostile elements.”

Ali added that three PKT machine guns, five AK-47 rifles, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres were recovered from the terrorists.

He said, “NAF Special Forces of Operation HADARIN DAJI, in the company of other ground troops, initiated a follow-up exploitation mission after troops encountered terrorists in the vicinity of Mayanchi. During the mission, it was confirmed that 38 terrorists had been neutralized, with 4 bodies retrieved for verification.

“In addition to the elimination of the terrorists, a significant cache of weapons was recovered, including 2 Rocket-Propelled Grenade tubes, 1 RPG bomb, 3 PKT machine guns, 5 AK-47 rifles, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres.

“This operation underscores the effectiveness and professionalism of the NAF Special Forces in leading critical missions in conjunction with other services aimed at neutralizing threats and maintaining national security.”