Troops of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have secured the release of 100 kidnap victims through a strategic non-kinetic engagement with critical stakeholders aimed at restoring peace in Zamfara State.
This was disclosed by the Commander of 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, during a press briefing in Gusau on Wednesday. The briefing was part of a media tour by Defence Correspondents, organised to provide first-hand insights into the operational activities of troops in the North-West region.
The Defence Correspondents were led by Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, as part of a strategic initiative by the Defence Headquarters to keep Nigerians informed about military operations across the country.
Brigadier General Opurum described Zamfara State as the epicentre of insecurity in the North-West, emphasising that tackling the security crisis in the state would address nearly 80 per cent of the region’s security challenges.
He traced the root of the conflict to a long-standing feud between Fulani groups and the local militia known as Yan Sakai, which was reportedly triggered by the extrajudicial killing of a Fulani man by the militia group.
The military also gathered that lack of basic amenities, such as schools and healthcare facilities, was fuelling discontent within local communities.
“In addressing the crisis, the Brigade initiated dialogue with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Fulani representatives. We discovered that the insecurity was driven by more complex underlying issues,” General Opurum explained.
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He said that during a crucial meeting held on 4th May 2025, the Brigade presented five key demands to the bandits through their intermediaries. These demands included: the unconditional release of all captives, cessation of attacks on commuters, an end to the abduction of farmers, halting the burning of villages and assaults on military positions, and the laying down of arms.
According to him, the bandits accepted the conditions but also insisted that the Yan Sakai militia be either disbanded or significantly curtailed.
“Following the meeting on 4th May, the bandits unconditionally released 100 kidnapped victims. This achievement is a great feat, as it was accomplished without any ransom being paid,” General Opurum stated.
He further revealed that dialogue is ongoing, with plans underway to engage Hausa traditional leaders, including emirs and district heads. The goal is to convene an expanded meeting of all parties to establish clear timelines for compliance with the agreed mandates.
Earlier in his address, the Brigade Commander highlighted that substantial progress had been made in degrading criminal elements, reducing insecurity, and enabling socio-economic development across the state.
“We have penetrated criminal enclaves that were previously inaccessible and neutralised over 25 terrorist kingpins along with their foot soldiers,” he added.