In a significant development in the fight against banditry, notorious bandit leaders Abu Radde and Umar Black have surrendered their weapons and captives to the Nigerian Army. This happened after a series of intense military operations in Katsina State, which is located in the northern part of Nigeria.

The event took place on January 19, 2025, in Batsari, Katsina State. According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, this surrender marks a crucial step towards ending banditry in the region. The bandits handed over four AK-47 rifles and 15 people they had previously kidnapped. The hostages included three males, eight females, and four children.

The Army emphasized that this surrender was not part of any peace negotiation but rather an important move towards the complete disarmament of the bandits and the release of their captives. Military representatives and other stakeholders were present at the ceremony to ensure transparency and proper handling of the process.

The weapons handed over are now in the custody of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, and the freed captives have been sent to local government authorities for rehabilitation and aftercare. This development brings hope to the people of Katsina State, as it signals a potential decrease in criminal activities in the region.