Notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has reportedly freed about 100 hostages as part of a renewed peace effort in Zamfara State.
According to security sources who spoke with counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the release came after ongoing dialogue and confidence-building talks led by community leaders under the North West Operation Safe Corridor peace process.
The freed captives, comprising men, women, and children, were handed over to local authorities and taken to a hospital for medical checks before being reunited with their families.
A source involved in the negotiations revealed that the move was part of an agreement between Turji’s camp and mediators to embrace peace and end violence in the affected communities.
The source added that 36 hostages were first released, followed by eight more, before the remaining victims were freed, bringing the total to over 100.
Further releases are reportedly expected as discussions continue.