Katsina Bandits Surrender Weapons, Release 16 Hostages in Peace Deal

Bandits Surrender Weapons, Release 16 Hostages in Peace Deal

Ten bandit leaders operating in Katsina State have surrendered their weapons and freed 16 kidnapped victims, including a pregnant woman, as part of an ongoing peace initiative by the Nigerian Army and other stakeholders.

The disarmament event took place on Saturday, June 14, in DanMusa Local Government Area. Among the surrendered arms were two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a pump-action gun, a PKT machine gun, and two AK-47 magazines.

According to local sources, this action is part of the army's wider effort to encourage bandits to renounce violence and reintegrate into society. The bandit leaders who turned in their weapons include Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black.

The 16 released hostages—comprising seven women and nine children—were handed over to local authorities for medical checks and family reunification.

A video obtained by PUNCH Online captured influential ex-bandit leader Adamu Alero speaking in Hausa to the group. He urged the repentant fighters to see this as a turning point, emphasizing the importance of community support and societal reintegration for them and their families.

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“Let’s not use hurtful words against them,” Alero pleaded, adding that their children deserve education and a fresh start. “Let’s focus on encouraging them and forget the past.”

One of the repentant fighters, believed to be Kamilu, also spoke on behalf of the group. He declared their collective intention to abandon crime and live peacefully within the community. He further pledged that additional hostages still in captivity would be freed by Sunday, June 15.

All surrendered weapons have been secured by authorities, and military personnel are maintaining a strong presence in the area to prevent further insecurity.

Efforts to reach officials for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.

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