By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Commander of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum has confirmed that troops have secured the release of over 100 kidnap victims through non-Kinetic operations.
General Oporum revealed this during a briefing with Defence Correspondents in Gusau Zamfara State.
The brief was part of a media tour Organized by the Chief of Defence Staff for journalist covering the Defence Headquarters to provide a firsthand information of operational activities of troops in the North-West region.
General Opurum in his remarks described Zamfara State as the most insecure state in the North-West, emphasising that tackling the security crisis in the state would address nearly 80 per cent of the region’s security challenges.
He explained the root of the conflict to a long-standing feud between Fulani groups and the local militia known as Yan Sakai, which was reportedly triggered by the extrajudicial killing of a Fulani man by the militia group.
His words: “In addressing the crisis, the Brigade initiated dialogue with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and Fulani representatives. We discovered that the insecurity was driven by more complex underlying issues.
According to General Oporum, “a crucial meeting was held on 4th May 2025, the Brigade presented five key demands to the bandits through their intermediaries.
He said these demands included: the unconditional release of all captives, cessation of attacks on commuters, an end to the abduction of farmers, halting the burning of villages and assaults on military positions, and the laying down of arms.
He said, the bandits accepted the conditions but also insisted that the Yan Sakai militia be either disbanded or significantly curtailed.
“Following the meeting on 4th May, the bandits unconditionally released 100 kidnapped victims. This achievement is a great feat, as it was accomplished without any ransom being paid,” General Opurum noted.
General Oporum also noted that dialogue is ongoing, with plans underway to engage Hausa traditional leaders, including emirs and district heads.
The goal is to convene an expanded meeting of all parties to establish clear timelines for compliance with the agreed mandates.
The Commander narrated that substantial progress had been made in degrading criminal elements, reducing insecurity, and enabling socio-economic development across the state.
“We have penetrated criminal enclaves that were previously inaccessible and neutralised over 25 terrorist kingpins along with their foot soldiers, “General Oporum explained.
