A notorious bandits’ commander, identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, on Wednesday released 28 abducted residents of Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State following a controversial peace arrangement with local government officials.
The freed hostages, who had been in captivity for weeks, were largely from Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, which have repeatedly suffered attacks and mass abductions.
Garwa, who reportedly appeared at the handover meeting armed with an AK-47 and ammunition, surrendered the captives to council officials in Faskari in what authorities described as a breakthrough in ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at curbing banditry in the state.
A council official, who asked not to be named, confirmed to journalists that no ransom was paid before the victims were freed.
“The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks,” the official said.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama also disclosed on his X handle that community leaders in Faskari welcomed the development, describing it as a positive sign.
“This is a step in the right direction, but both sides must sustain the peace process. We are also appealing to the bandit leader to prevail on other groups still carrying out attacks in the area to stop,” Makama quoted community leaders as saying.
Residents of the affected communities expressed relief at the safe return of their loved ones but warned that the government must provide stronger security guarantees to prevent future attacks.
“We are happy our brothers and sisters are back, but we cannot continue to live in fear. The government must ensure this peace deal is not temporary,” a resident of Kanen-haki told PLATFORM TIMES.
The development comes amid debates over peace deals between state officials and bandit leaders, with many Nigerians criticizing the approach as legitimizing criminality while undermining military operations against insurgents.
Katsina, the home state of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been one of the worst-hit by banditry in recent years, with thousands killed and abducted despite repeated security operations.
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