Katsina, Nigeria – 15 June 2025
In a significant development in Dan Musa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State, several notorious bandit leaders have surrendered their weapons and released kidnapped victims following dialogues facilitated by the Nigerian Army’s Operation Fasan Yamma. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders, saw individuals identified as Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black voluntarily relinquish their arms on 14 June 2025, expressing a commitment to abandon banditry and embrace peaceful coexistence.
According to military sources, the surrendered weapons have been secured in custody, and the security situation in Dan Musa LGA remains stable, with troops maintaining a robust presence to ensure sustained peace. As part of this process, the group released 16 kidnapped persons, including seven women and nine children, who have been handed over to local government authorities. The bandit leaders have pledged to free additional captives by 15 June 2025.
However, reports from Sahara Reporters clarify that this development is not part of a formal surrender programme but rather a strategic dialogue between the Nigerian Army and the bandits. The news outlet notes that the military’s approach involves negotiations to de-escalate violence and secure the release of hostages, rather than a structured amnesty or surrender initiative. This distinction underscores the complexity of addressing banditry in Nigeria’s northwest, where dialogue is increasingly employed as a tactic to reduce conflict and protect vulnerable communities.
The dialogue in Dan Musa LGA follows a pattern of recent security operations in Katsina State. For instance, on 8 June 2025, Katsina State Police, in a combined task force operation, rescued 11 kidnapped victims and foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Danmusa–Mara Dangeza village road, engaging bandits in a gun duel. These efforts highlight the ongoing challenges posed by banditry in the region, with security forces balancing enforcement with negotiation to restore stability.
Local authorities and residents have welcomed the release of the kidnapped victims, though concerns remain about the long-term efficacy of dialogue with bandit groups. Analysts suggest that while such engagements may yield short-term gains, addressing the root causes of banditry—such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of governance—remains critical to achieving lasting peace.
Operation Fasan Yamma’s leadership has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security in Katsina State, with continuous monitoring and collaboration with stakeholders to prevent a resurgence of violence. The military has urged communities to provide actionable intelligence to support ongoing efforts to curb banditry and ensure the safe return of all remaining captives.
