By Segun Onibiyo and Steven Kefas
Kaduna–In the heart of Nigeria’s troubled Zamfara State, a chilling scene unfolded on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, as terrorists gathered at the residence of their fallen leader, Kachalla Halilu Sububu. The gathering, which took place in Tungar Daji, Bagega, in Anka County—about 70 miles from Gusau, the Zamfara State capital—marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism.
Kachalla (means “Boss”) Sububu, a notorious terrorist leader, had been taken out with a bullet to the forehead on Thursday by Nigerian security forces, bringing momentary relief to a country weary of violence. However, the rapid assembly of his followers in response to his death underscores the resilience of extremist networks that continue to challenge the nation.
Sokoto-based security analyst Bashiru Altine Guyawa provided insight into the situation. “The terrorists have started a three-day prayer for Kachalla Sububu,” Guyawa said. “This is more than just a religious observance; it’s a display of their organization. After the prayers, they’ll elect a new leader to replace Sububu,” Guyawa told the New Telegraph.
Adding to the alarm is the wealth left behind by the deceased terrorist leader. “The scene at Sububu’s home is surreal,” Guyawa continued. “There are over 200 sacks filled with money, some of which are decaying due to long-term storage. Gold and precious stones, previously hidden, are being brought out for distribution among his followers.”
This display of riches highlights the financial power behind these terrorist operations, revealing connections to illicit economies that continue to fuel the conflict.
Dr. Walid Abdullahi, a security expert from Birnin-Kebbi, cautioned against underestimating the terrorists’ ability to regroup. “This is a well-coordinated machine in action,” Dr. Abdullahi told TruthNigeria. “These organizations are designed to survive the loss of individual leaders. Like a hydra—cut off one head, and another grows in its place.”
Dr. Abdullahi also stressed that while the recent victories by Nigerian security forces are commendable, they should not lead to complacency. “The military’s success is significant, but history shows that these groups have an extraordinary capacity to adapt and rebound. The fight against them must remain constant and relentless, or we risk losing the progress we’ve made.”
Beyond military strategy, the leadership transition has deep implications for ordinary Nigerians. Sabiu Maihula, a 400-level English student and Anka resident, shared the fear that now grips local communities.
“There’s a heavy tension in Anka,” Maihula said to TruthNigeria. “Sububu wasn’t just a leader to these terrorists—he was almost a god to some. Now that he’s gone, the uncertainty is terrifying. We sleep with one eye open, not knowing when or where their wrath might hit.”
Maihula also noted how personal the threat feels. “These aren’t just nameless terrorists to us. Some might be former neighbors—they know our routines, our weaknesses. The fear of retaliation hangs over us like a storm cloud, ready to burst at any moment.”
The selection of a new leader among the terrorists illustrates a key reality in Nigeria’s fight against extremism: the terrorists are highly organized, according to security sources who spoke to TruthNigeria. Contrary to the belief that they are disjointed militias, these groups operate with structured support and receiving aid and supplies from bases in Niger, Mali, and Chad.
The succession process highlights the complexity of Nigeria’s battle against terrorism. While taking down high-profile targets such as Sububu represents tactical victories, the swift reorganization of his followers underscores the deep-rooted nature of the conflict.
As the sun sets over Zamfara, the gathering at Sububu’s compound stands as a sobering reminder of the long road ahead. The election of a new leader may be imminent, but for millions of Nigerians, true victory—a return to peace and normalcy—remains heartbreakingly elusive.
“This isn’t just a fight against individual terrorists,” said Dr. Abdullahi. “It’s a battle for the soul of Nigeria, for the future we want to create. And it’s a battle we can’t afford to lose.”
Steven Kefas and Segun Onibiyo report on conflicts for TruthNigeria.
