Twenty-six people abducted by armed groups have regained their freedom in Katsina State following ongoing reconciliation efforts under the government’s peace accord initiative, Operation Safe Corridor.
The victims, comprising men and women, were freed on October 19, 2025, after weeks of dialogue between local community leaders and the bandits operating in parts of the Faskari Local Government Area.
The release, which took place around 2:30 p.m., was described as another milestone in the state’s gradual push toward stability.
Upon their release, a delegation from Faskari received the victims and immediately took them to the Primary Health Care Centre in the town for medical screening and treatment. Officials confirmed that all the rescued individuals were in stable condition.
According to authorities, the victims have since been reunited with their families amid tears of joy and heartfelt celebrations.
“It was an emotional moment for everyone,” said one community leader who participated in the peace process.
“Seeing people return home safely after such trauma gives us hope that peace is truly possible.”
Security officials noted that the release was a direct outcome of renewed dialogue efforts aimed at ending cycles of violence and promoting community reconciliation.
“This development shows that sustained engagement with local actors is producing results,” an official involved in the process told reporters.
The government said the move was part of broader confidence-building measures intended to restore normalcy to communities ravaged by banditry and kidnappings in the region.
Authorities also assured that the peace process would continue, with close monitoring to ensure that armed groups adhere to the agreements reached.
“The situation remains under review, but we are optimistic that with continued dialogue, Katsina can overcome this phase,” another security source added.
The successful rescue underscores the growing impact of Operation Safe Corridor’s community-led approach, which blends negotiation, rehabilitation, and reintegration in the fight against insecurity in northern Nigeria.