Eric Patrick
Some group of notorious terrorist kingpins operating in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State have surrendered their arms and released kidnapped victims, on Saturday.
According to a statement shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Sunday, the disarmament took place on June 14, which is part of an ongoing arms surrender and disengagement initiative.
The initiative was spearheaded by the leadership of Operation Fasan Yamma, in close collaboration with local stakeholders and community leaders.
The bandit leaders include Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black.
They are said to be among the most wanted in the region, with long histories of involvement in kidnappings and violent crimes.
During the ceremony, the bandits expressed their willingness to renounce criminal activities and embrace peaceful coexistence with local communities.
A cache of surrendered weapons has been taken into custody by security forces.
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In a significant humanitarian gesture, the group also released 16 kidnapped individuals, comprising seven women and nine children, who had been held in captivity.
They pledged to release the remaining captives by June 15, 2025.
“All released individuals have been handed over to the appropriate local government authorities and are receiving care and support,” a security official involved in the process stated.
The development has been widely welcomed by residents and local leaders, who have long borne the brunt of insecurity in the region.
The Nigerian Troops, however, remain stationed in the area to ensure continued peace, with monitoring operations ongoing to prevent a resurgence of violence.
While the move marks a positive step toward restoring peace in Katsina State, authorities stress the importance of sustained dialogue, community engagement, and vigilance in consolidating gains against banditry in the region.