Rabiu M. Hamza
Ten bandit leaders terrorizing Katsina State surrendered at least five guns, including two AK-47s, one G3, one pump-action rifle, one PKT gun, and two AK-47 magazines, to government officials during a peace truce on Saturday...
The peace deal was held in the DanMusa Local Government Area of Katsina State as the bandits voluntarily surrendered their arms and released kidnapped victims including a 7-month pregnant woman during the agreement.
A source who confirmed to our correspondent in Katsina said the development was part of the ongoing arms surrender and disengagement initiative by the leadership of the Nigerian army in collaboration with critical stakeholders.
Those repentant kingpins who surrendered arms are Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black.
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The group reportedly laid down their weapons and handed over 16 kidnapped persons comprising seven women and nine children on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
A video obtained by PUNCH Online shows ex-bandit leader, Adamu Alero speaking to the repentant bandits in Hausa, “All of you are my boys when it comes to this business, but I urge you to consider this an opportunity to denounce banditry because it is the only way to go.”
“I want to also advise the public that we should shun negative words when mingling with them as these surrender today, their families especially children will be reintegrated into society and education will be offered to them. We should rather serve as a source of encouragement to them and let us forget all that happened in the past.”, Alero said while addressing the crowd on Saturday.
One of the former bandits in the clip, though on head cover suspected to be Kamilu, spoke on behalf of others, and expressed their willingness to renounce criminality and embrace peaceful living within the community. They further pledged to release the remaining hostages still in their custody by Sunday, June 15.
Our correspondent learnt that rescued victims have since been handed over to the appropriate local government authorities for medical evaluation and reunion with their families.
The source also said all surrendered arms have been secured, while troops continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to ensure lasting peace and security.
All efforts to speak with the relevant officials proved abortive at the time of filing this report.
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