The death of notorious bandit leader Kachalla Halilu Sububu marked a critical turning point in the fight against banditry in Nigeria' s northwest. However, Sububu Forest, a sprawling stronghold of criminal activity spanning Maradun and Bakura Local Government Areas in Zamfara State and parts of Sokoto State, remains a haven for bandits.

Halilu Sububu, a feared warlord who terrorized Eastern Sokoto for over a decade, was killed in an ambush by Nigerian troops under Operation Fansan Yanma in Mayanchi Forest. His death in 2024 was a significant victory for security forces, bringing an end to years of terror, extortion, kidnappings, and illicit arms trade. Sububu' s reign of violence left a lasting impact on communities across the region.

Before his death, Sububu commanded over 2, 000 fighters and maintained a network of loyalists who operated with impunity. His influence stretched beyond Nigeria into Niger Republic, forcing villagers in areas like Gundumi, Shinkafi, and Isa to pay levies for safe passage. Sububu' s associates, including Shehu Regeb, Lawali Dodo, and Ali Dan Oga, wielded considerable power. While some of these lieutenants have gone underground since his demise, others remain active, perpetuating the criminal network he established.