Military authorities in Nigeria have announced it’s readiness to welcome repentant bandits.
The army said her doors are still wide open for those who may decide to abandon their criminal ways.
This surprising call was made by the 17th Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army, Katsina State, General Babatunde Omopariola.
The commander warned that bandits and violent extremists should surrender or face the serious consequences.
He asked those in the business of kidnapping to refrain immediately.
Omopariola made the call while handing over nine rescued victims of kidnapping, including five males, two female and their two newly born kids to officials of the Katsina State Government in a brief ceremony at the 17 Brigade Headquarters, Katsina.
The Brigade Commander, who was represented by the Brigade’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Yakubu Nwandiscas, further explained that the Army applied a non-kinetic approach in rescuing the victims.
The victims were abducted from different Katsina LGAs at various locations and dates by bandits and taken to Kaduna State.
Speaking during the event, Senior Special Assistant to the Katsina State Governor on Victims of Banditry and IDPs, Sa’idu Danja, commended members of the Armed Forces, who participated in the rescue mission.
He also recalled that a combined team of troops and other security agents on Thursday rescued 11 victims in Batsari LGA and on Friday, rescued 19 victims.
He said, “These are some of the successes you have been recording as a result of your synergy. His Excellency the Governor has been receiving cooperation from all angles of the security agencies and will give you all the necessary support and cooperation to achieve your desired result.”
Meanwhile, one of the rescued victims, 45-year- old father of 15 children, Inusa Salisu, narrated how he spent 90 days in the hands of the bandits after they captured him while working on his farmland located five kilometers away from Sabuwa LGA.
He said, “The bandits, seven in their numbers, riding on five motorcycles, chased me and my grownup son.
“Within the 90 days period of our stay, we were eating animal feeds. They killed five people in my presence including my 20-year-old son. I didn’t touch water talk less of taking a bath within the period.”