Bandit Kingpin Releases 28 Captives in Katsina After Peace Talks
In what appears to be a breakthrough in peace efforts, 28 abducted residents of Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina State, have regained their freedom without the payment of ransom.
The release, which took place on Wednesday, was orchestrated by a notorious bandit commander identified as Isya Akwashi Garwa, who handed over the captives to council officials in line with ongoing reconciliation talks.
According to reports by Zagazola, those freed were mainly residents of Mairua, Kanen-haki, and Yar Dabaru communities, which have been plagued by incessant bandit attacks.
Local authorities confirmed that the development was the result of a peace arrangement designed to restore stability in the area.
Community leaders hailed the gesture as a “positive signal,” urging both sides to sustain dialogue while calling on Garwa to prevail on other armed groups still unleashing terror to embrace peace.
A senior council official, who preferred not to be named, disclosed: “The captives were released this afternoon without any ransom being paid. The bandit leader fulfilled his promise under the peace talks.”
Residents, who had endured days of fear and uncertainty, expressed relief at the safe return of their loved ones. Some, however, insisted that the government must back up the peace process with stronger security guarantees to ensure lasting calm.

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