Nigerian Defence Chief Rewards 26 Soldiers with N1 Million for Eliminating Terrorist with N5 Million Bounty

Controversy arises as 26 soldiers receive N1 million for killing notorious terrorist Halilu Sububu, prompting calls for fairer compensation.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, recently commended 26 soldiers by awarding them N1 million for successfully eliminating notorious terrorist Halilu Sububu, who had a N5 million bounty on his head. This reward for soldiers killing the terrorist has sparked debate over whether the financial compensation is adequate for their courageous efforts.

Sububu, also known as Halilu Buzu, was a feared terrorist commander wanted by the Nigerian military. In 2022, the Defence Headquarters placed a N5 million bounty on Sububu’s head, offering a reward to anyone with actionable intelligence leading to his capture or death. Despite the high-profile nature of his killing, the reward for soldiers killing the terrorist was significantly less than the bounty, with each soldier receiving approximately N38,000 if the money was equally divided.

The reward for soldiers killing the terrorist has not been well-received by everyone. Security expert Bulama Bukarti expressed disappointment with the N1 million reward, arguing that the soldiers deserved more. Bukarti urged President Bola Tinubu to present national honors to the troops and called on Nigerians to donate in appreciation of their bravery. He also highlighted the significance of Sububu’s death, describing it as one of the most important victories in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism.

Sububu’s reign of terror had stretched for years, with the terrorist leader controlling vast regions in Zamfara and orchestrating several kidnappings and attacks. His elimination by the military represents a major step forward in the fight against banditry and terrorism in the region, making the reward for soldiers killing the terrorist even more important.

Many have called for improved compensation for military personnel risking their lives on the frontlines. The reward for soldiers killing the terrorist has reignited conversations about whether current reward structures sufficiently honor their sacrifices and motivate continued dedication in counterterrorism operations.