Among his other teachers was al-Mustafa bin Muhammad al-Turudi, a scribe for Usman, and the father of the Sokoto scholar Abd al-Qadir dan Tafa.

He participated in campaigns in the southern region of the Sokoto Caliphate, including Nupe, alongside his cousin Muhammad Wani, Abdullahi's son.

However, in 1816, Hodi mounted a fierce resistance against the Caliphate from his strongholds in Kimba, Augi, and Argungu, which ultimately ended in 1826 when he was killed by Bukhari.

[4]: 248–249 After the jihad was won in 1808, Usman dan Fodio appointed his brother Abdullahi to govern the western and southern regions of the Caliphate.

The Kalambaina revolt lasted two years until a combined force led by Caliph Muhammad Bello, Atiku, Bukhari, and Wani successfully captured the town.

The victory at Kalambaina reunited Gwandu and Sokoto, who had experienced slight hostilities after Abdullahi was passed over in favour of Bello to succeed Usman as Sarkin Musulmi in 1817.

Bukhari, alongside his brother Muhammad Sambo, led an army consisting of forces from both Sokoto and Gwandu to aid in the defense of Ilorin.