Several notorious bandit leaders, who have long terrorised Batsari, Safana, and Jibia local government areas of Katsina State, have surrendered and laid down their arms following intense military operations.

The surrendering bandits included Abu Radda, Umar Black, Abdullahi Lankai, Jijjige, and Dabar Musa Dan Gandu, all operating from the Jibia axis.

Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency media expert, 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 for 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.

As part of their surrender, 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.

Top military sources welcomed the surrender but reiterated that operations against unrepentant bandits will continue until total peace is restored in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and the entire North West region.