TheCable

The defence headquarters has declared one Halilu Buzu, a suspected terrorist kingpin, wanted. 

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said Buzu is a citizen of Niger Republic but resides in Zamfara.

Buba said the army has been on his trail, adding that he is also wanted for killing 19 villagers in Farar Kasa area of Zamfara.

He said the suspected terrorist leader is well connected with arms suppliers in Libya.

“We are on the hunt of one Halilu Buzu. This Halilu Buzu is a terrorist leader that hails from Buzu in the Republic of Niger,” he said.

“He settles in Subbubu forest which is somewhere around Zamfara as well as lives in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara.

“He has an illegal gold mining located at Kware in Anka LGA of Zamfara state and he also has a lot of boys working for him.

“Additionally, he is a prominent cattle rustler. Last week, his boys killed 19 villagers at Farar Kasa and for us he is a high-value target, therefore, we declare him wanted.

“Furthermore, he is a major arms dealer, supplier, and suspect that is trusted by arms dealers supplying arms from Libya.

“Whenever we close in on him, he goes across the border into the Niger Republic for refuge.

“At this time, we have through appropriate channels, called on the Nigerien authorities, regional authorities and international bodies to support us in effecting his arrest and holding him accountable for his atrocities.”

Buba said the army has been working in various theatres of operation to address attacks against troops and citizens.

“We are also hunting those that are of symbolic value, including all those that have been declared wanted,” he added.