Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has released about 100 captives as part of a renewed peace initiative in Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, that the release followed ongoing dialogue and confidence-building efforts led by community leaders under the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace process.
The victims, including men, women, and children, were handed over to local authorities and taken to a hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their families.
A source involved in the negotiations said the release was part of an agreement with Turji’s camp to embrace peace and end hostilities in affected communities.
According to the source, 36 people were initially released, followed by eight others, bringing the number to 46 before the remaining captives were freed, totaling over 100.
The source added that more releases are expected as discussions continue between Turji’s group and mediators.
Authorities said they are maintaining close surveillance to ensure the credibility of the peace process and prevent any group from exploiting it to regroup or rearm.