14 hours ago
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A notorious bandit leader identified as Jimou Smally has reportedly released seven kidnapped victims unconditionally in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
This was revealed in a post on Saturday by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, via X.
According to the post, the victims, including a 30-year-old man identified as Nasiru Sani, were discovered on Thursday by security operatives on routine patrol in Maradun forest.
The victims told security personnel during debriefing that they had been abducted and held at Bayan Ruwa camp, which is reportedly under the control of Jimou Smally, a kingpin linked to multiple abduction cases in the region.
In a twist, the victims disclosed that they were suddenly released by the bandit leader without any negotiation or payment of ransom.
They were later escorted to a nearby security outpost, where they received medical attention before reuniting with their families.
While the reason for the sudden release remains unknown, sources close to the development believe it could be linked to increased pressure from security forces, particularly troops of Operation FANSARU TANMA, currently combing forests in Maradun and neighbouring areas.
Bandit kingpin Jimou Smally releases seven kidnap victims in Zamfara
