Bandit leaders ‘surrender’ to troops in Katsina, ‘free’ hostages
Several notorious bandit leaders, terrorising Batsari, Safana, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina, have reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, identified those who surrendered as Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, who have all operated from the Jibia axis.
The publication quoted security sources as saying the bandits embraced the peace deal and surrendered following sustained military operations in the region.
Makama said the repentant bandits handed over their weapons to the troops and released several hostages they had abducted.
According to the publication, the former bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting engagement in the construction of markets and hospitals.
They vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities, it added.
Their surrender was reportedly facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Hamisa Batsari.
On Monday, the defence headquarters (DHQ) said 800 former Boko Haram fighters who surrendered to the military are currently undergoing deradicalisation for onward reintegration into society.
