In a major development aimed at restoring security in Katsina State, several notorious terrorist kingpins operating in Dan Musa Local Government Area have surrendered their arms and released 16 hostages as part of a government-backed amnesty and disengagement programme.
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The Nigerian Army, in a statement released via its official social media handles on Saturday, June 14, 2025, said the surrender was facilitated through Operation Fagge Fasan Yamma in collaboration with key stakeholders. Among those who turned in their weapons were known bandit leaders Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black.
“These individuals expressed their commitment to renounce banditry and embrace peaceful coexistence,” the Army stated, confirming that all recovered weapons had been secured.
As part of the peace agreement, the group released 16 hostages — including seven women and nine children — and pledged to free all remaining captives by Sunday, June 15. Sources disclosed that a seven-month pregnant woman was among those freed.
A security source told newsmen that the surrendered arms included two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, one PKT machine gun, and two AK-47 magazines. The handover ceremony took place in Dan Musa LGA under the supervision of security forces.
In a video circulating online, ex-bandit leader Adamu Alero addressed the gathering in Hausa, urging the repentant fighters to seize the opportunity to turn away from violence. “All of you are my boys in this business, but I urge you to consider this an opportunity to denounce banditry because it is the only way to go,” he said.
Alero also appealed to the public to support the reintegration of the former bandits’ families, particularly the children, through education and community support.
One of the repentant fighters, identified as Kamilu, spoke on behalf of the group and reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful living within the community.
However, the peace initiative has drawn controversy following the appearance of Ado Aleru, a wanted bandit leader, at a reconciliation meeting in Bichi community, also in Dan Musa LGA.
Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020 with a ₦5 million bounty on his head, was captured in a video addressing traditional rulers, local government officials, security personnel, and religious leaders during Saturday’s meeting. The event, reportedly convened to promote dialogue between Fulani herders and farming communities, was attended by Nigerian Army personnel and other government representatives.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency platform, Aleru proposed specific steps to end bloodshed in the region and called for peaceful coexistence. He and seven other terrorist commanders reportedly surrendered and promised to release additional hostages — 17 of whom were already freed as a goodwill gesture.
The development has sparked backlash across the state and online. A top government source, speaking to ThisDay, criticized the meeting, calling it a betrayal of justice.
“Ado Aleru was declared wanted by the police under the leadership of CP Sanusi Buba. There’s a ₦5 million bounty on him. He has made himself available now — they should arrest him, not negotiate. He’s not sincere,” the source said.
However, Nasir Mua’zu, Katsina State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, defended the peace talks in an interview with BBC Hausa. He insisted that the individuals voluntarily denounced terrorism and should be reintegrated.
“We spent two years fighting these criminals. The governor has said he will not negotiate with bandits. But anyone who genuinely lays down arms and seeks peace will be accepted,” Mua’zu said.
He further cited Islamic principles and international humanitarian law, noting: “Islamically, it is wrong for the government to continue fighting them once they accept peace. According to the Geneva Convention, it’s also wrong to attack parties who come for dialogue.”
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