In a significant breakthrough for peace and security in northern Nigeria, several notorious terror kingpins operating in Dan Musa Local Government Area of Katsina State have surrendered their weapons and released 16 hostages, following a high-level amnesty and disengagement initiative facilitated by the Nigerian Army and key stakeholders.
The surrender was part of Operation Fagge Fasan Yamma, a counterterrorism strategy designed to de-escalate insurgency through dialogue and disarmament. The Nigerian Army announced the development on its official social media platforms over the weekend, confirming that the terrorist leaders voluntarily turned themselves in on June 14, 2025.
According to the Army’s statement, the repentant militants include high-profile figures such as Kamulu Buzaru, Manore, Nagwaggo, Lalbi, Alhaji Sani, Dogo Baidu, Dogo Nahalle, and Abdulkadir Black.
“The individuals expressed their commitment to renounce banditry and embrace peaceful coexistence,” the Army’s statement read.
In a humanitarian gesture, the terror group freed 16 kidnapped persons, including seven women and nine children. All victims have since been handed over to their respective local government authorities, and the group pledged to release all remaining hostages by June 15, 2025.
A military source, speaking anonymously to Hobnob News, revealed that the surrendered weapons include:
Two AK-47 rifles
One G3 rifle
One pump-action rifle
One PKT machine gun
Two AK-47 magazines
A seven-month pregnant woman was reportedly among the freed captives, underscoring the humanitarian weight of the operation.
The surrender ceremony, held in Dan Musa LGA, was attended by security officials, community leaders, and civilian observers. In a widely circulated video obtained by Hobnob News, influential ex-bandit-turned-peacemaker Adamu Alero addressed the gathering, urging the repentant militants to seize the opportunity for genuine transformation.
“You were once my boys in this business,” Alero said in Hausa. “But this is a chance to choose peace. Let’s stop the bloodshed. Society must also learn to embrace these men and support the reintegration of their families—especially the children—into education and communal life.”
One of the ex-bandits, believed to be Kamilu, also spoke on behalf of the group, expressing their willingness to fully disengage from criminal activity and reintegrate peacefully into society.
“We want peace now. We will release the rest of the captives tomorrow. We are ready to live peacefully,” he said.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that all surrendered arms have been secured and that troops would continue to maintain a strong presence in the area to consolidate peace and prevent future disruptions.
This amnesty development marks one of the most significant surrenders by terror groups in recent years in Katsina State, and security analysts believe it could serve as a model for future peace initiatives across the region.
