But Clerics, Experts Denounce Amnesty for Terrorists
By Segun Onibiyo and Mike Odeh James
(Kaduna) – In a significant blow to terrorist operations in Nigeria, two high-profile terrorist leaders, Abu Radde and Umar Black, were forced to surrender to Nigerian troops in Katsina state Northwest Nigeria after intense airstrikes and ground offensives decimated their strongholds.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that Abu Radde and Umar Black surrendered to Nigerian troops on January 19, 2025. According to General Buba, the terrorists had been operating in the Batsari and Safana (LGA) Counties of Katsina State, not Kaduna State Northwest Nigeria as earlier reported.
Abu Radde and Umar Black leaders of Fulani terrorist groups, notorious for their roles in orchestrating deadly attacks on civilians and security forces mainly in Katsina, some parts of Zamfara state and Kaduna state in Northeast Nigeria were among the most wanted terrorist leaders in the region. Their surrender marks a major victory for Nigerian forces, who have been intensifying operations against terrorist groups in recent weeks.
According to Friday Agbo, the Managing Director of Alterconsult, a think tank on public policy in Northern Nigeria, the surrender of the terrorists was a direct result of the overwhelming firepower unleashed by Nigerian troops, which left the terrorist leaders with no option but to capitulate.
“The military also used overwhelming ground support and airstrikes to degrade their capacity to put up the fight against the military. These two have been terrorizing Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina; the military went after their camps in all the states, and it led to the eventual surrender, Agbo added.
Buba attributed the surrender to the ongoing synchronized offensive operations by ground troops and the air component, which resulted in several terrorists being dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.
He also revealed that the troops recovered assorted weapons and ammunition and secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorists during the operation.
Coordinated Attacks in Zamfara and Sokoto
Similarly, military attacks were launched by the military in Katsina were replicated in Zamfara and Sokoto states, Northwest of Nigeria, with the military taking the fight to terror kingpin Bello Turji for the first time in many years. This resulted in the killing of Turji’s accomplices, his son, and injuring his younger brother. Rumors on Jan. 28 that Turji himself was killed in action have been discounted.
The military spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the operations, stating that troops inflicted injuries on some of Turji’s close allies, including Dosso (Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies). The death of Turji’s second-in-command and commanders is a significant setback to his group’s activities in northwestern Nigeria.
In addition to the killings, the military also neutralized a notorious terrorist, Suleiman, who was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Turji’s camp. Suleiman was killed during a firefight around the Fakai high ground, border town between Zamfara and Kebbi State Northeast Nigeria. The military operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Turji’s network and restore security in the region.
General Christopher Musa: Game Changer
Mr. Agbo of Alterconsult thinks that Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, Chris Musa, has turned the tables against the terrorists in the Northwest using different and entirely new tactics.
“You can see we have the Nigerian Air Force and the army attacking terrorist camps at the same time. This is the tactic that the United States military used in Iraq and Afghanistan. If the general can sustain the tempo, in no time the war against the terrorists would be won,” he added.
Agbo also noted that the war against terrorism in the Northwest cannot be won if Bello Turji, Dogo Gide, and Ado Aleru are not captured or killed in battle.
Politicians, Army Chief Seek Cooperation in Reinterpreting Repented Terrorists
TruthNigeria reported the story how the Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also granted amnesty and rehabilitated Fulani terrorists in his state, claiming they have renounced terrorism.
This trend is now becoming more evident as Nigeria’s army chief has sought cooperation from the Katsina state government in a new program aimed at reintegrating surrendered bandits into society.
Major-General Ebikunle Ademola-Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, made the request during a visit to Katsina Governor Dikko Radda.
Ademola-Ajose said the program, “Operation Save Corridor North-West,” would allow surrendered bandits to release hostages, surrender arms, and reintegrate into society.
The initiative is part of efforts to address the country’s banditry crisis, which has led to widespread bankruptcy of farmers and displacement.
No Negotiation, Only Surrender
However, Governor Radda emphasized that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists but would accept their surrender.
“I may not negotiate with the bandits. I will not beg them to come and negotiate with me. But, if they surrender and say they want to negotiate, the state government is willing to listen to them and provide all the necessary support for their lives and their animals,” Radda said.
Radda expressed willingness to support the program but emphasized the need for community engagement and clear conditions for acceptance.
Analyst Disagrees With Amnesty for Terrorists
Friday Agbo of Alterconsult vehemently opposes former governors of Katsina and Zamfara Northwest Nigeria who granted amnesty to terrorists years ago, but it did not stop them from kidnapping, killing, raping, and looting.
“The only way to end this wave of terror is to annihilate the terrorists totally and make it clear that terrorists would pay a heavy price for their crimes.
He further asks, “What about the victims of these terrorists, those whose fathers were killed, those whose daughters were raped?
Similarly, former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, had in an exclusive interview on TruthNigeria TV condemned the plan to grant amnesty to terrorists as a slap and insult to victims of terrorism.
According to Rev. John Joseph Hayab, offering amnesty to terrorists can be a strategic move to encourage them to surrender and renounce violence, but it’s crucial to balance this with the rehabilitation of their victims, mainly Christians, who are still suffering in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps.
“Amnesty has to be balanced against rehabilitation of their victims, chiefly Christians, still suffering in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camps,” Hayab emphasized.
He also stressed that granting amnesty to terrorists without holding them accountable for their crimes perpetuates a sense of injustice and inequality. “Granting amnesty to terrorists without holding them accountable for their crimes perpetuates a sense of injustice and inequality,” Hayab said.
Furthermore, Hayab questioned the realism of the repentance of terrorists and the ability of governors to provide proper so-called deradicalization programs.
Segun Onibiyo and Mike Odeh James are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
