By Ebenezer Mabinuola
Several notorious bandit leaders in Dan Musa LGA of Katsina State have surrendered their arms and released 16 kidnapped victims as part of an ongoing amnesty and disarmament initiative under Operation Fasan Yamma.
The surrender, which took place on Saturday, June 14, followed weeks of dialogue involving security forces, community leaders, and civil society actors. Among those who laid down arms were Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black.
The freed hostages include seven women and nine children, with the ex-bandits pledging to release remaining captives by Sunday, June 15.
Authorities described the surrendered weapons as a “significant cache,” now secured and documented. Security forces remain deployed in the area to prevent a resurgence of violence and monitor compliance.
This development is seen as a breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, where years of banditry have displaced thousands. Local leaders and civil society groups welcomed the move but urged continued investment in peacebuilding, rehabilitation, and development.
Officials warned that any breach of the peace agreement would be met with swift action, emphasizing that only genuine efforts toward peace would be supported.
