Isya Kwashen Garwa, a notorious bandits’ leader, has released 40 additional captives in Katsina State’s Faskari Local Government Area. Officials present at the handover confirmed the release, which is part of an ongoing peace dialogue with local authorities.

This latest release follows the earlier freeing of 30 individuals on Wednesday. Garwa stated that two individuals had been released prior to this recent group and were not included in the count of 40. With the new releases, the total number of freed captives now stands at 72.

Garwa emphasized that the releases were in fulfillment of commitments made during a peace pact meeting held in Faskari. He stated that his group was not forced or threatened into the decision. “You have seen that these people were released because of the promises we made during the peace pact meeting in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. You can see them, there are 40 of them. Two people were released earlier and are not part of this group of 40. On Wednesday we released 30 people. Altogether, they number 72,” Garwa said. “They were released because of the peace deal meeting. We were neither threatened nor overpowered before we released them, we released them because of the promises we made. They are not all in one location. I was instructed to go into the bush to ensure all kidnapped victims were released, and I am still trying to gather everyone who was kidnapped.”

Despite the releases, Garwa voiced serious concerns about a security operation he claimed took place in the Ruwan-Godiya area on Friday. He alleged that the operation led to the deaths of members of his group as well as Hausa civilians, including women and children. He also stated that property, including motorcycles, was confiscated.

The bandit leader issued a stark warning that failure by the government to address the alleged killings could lead to a breakdown of the fragile peace process. “While I was going around to secure their release I received a report from Ruwa-Godiya that security operatives went to meet our people and shot them. It was not only our people, Hausa people were affected too. They killed men, women and children, and they also took our property, including motorcycles. This situation suggests that some people among the security operatives do not want us to live in peace,” Garwa said. “If you will act, take decisive action on this matter. If you do not, we will return to our previous fighting, and if things worsen you will tell the world that we violated the promises we made. This incident happened on Friday. Government officials know what I am saying, I am not lying; you know the security operatives did this. Let me tell you: no life is worth more than another. If we want to resolve this peacefully, let us do it in the fear of God.”

The releases are the result of months of ongoing negotiations between various bandit factions and local stakeholders, which are part of broader efforts aimed at curbing kidnappings and improving security in Nigeria’s troubled northwest region.