Several notorious bandit leaders who have been terrorising thr Batsari, Safana and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State have reportedly surrendered to the troops of the Nigerian Army while also pleading for forgiveness.
According to counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, the bandit kingpins who surrendered to the troops were identified as Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, who have all operated from the Jibia axis.
Makama said the decision of the terrorists to surrender and embrace peace was because of the increased onslaught by the Nigerian military and the sustained military operations in the region.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the security expert said the repentant bandits also surrendered sophisticated weapons to the army and vowed never to go back to a life of crime.
“Several notorious bandit leaders, who have long terrorized Batsari, Safana, and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have surrendered and laid down their arms following a series of intensified military operations,” Makama wrote.
“The surrendering bandits include Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, all operating from the Jibia axis.
“Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the military’s sustained onslaught against armed groups in the region forced the bandits to seek peace and disarm voluntarily.
“During their surrender, the repentant bandits appealed to the government to provide them with alternative means of livelihood, requesting the construction of markets, hospitals, and access to clean water to help them reintegrate into society.
“Their surrender was facilitated by the National Community for Security and Societal Advancement in Katsina (NCSOSACK), led by Comrade Hamisa S. Batsari, which represented affected communities in the security dialogue.
“The bandits handed over their weapons to the military and released several hostages they had kidnapped during their reign of terror. They also vowed to embrace peace and end their involvement in criminal activities.”
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