A prominent youth group in Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Youth Ambassadors (AYA), has raised alarm over the continued imprisonment of Musa Nura Aljan, a civilian hunter celebrated for his long-standing assistance to security agencies in combating bandits, kidnappers, and armed gangs across the region.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, the group voiced its “deep concern” regarding Aljan’s prolonged detention and the 45-year prison term he is said to be serving, a development that has triggered widespread outrage among community leaders and residents.

AYA recalled that Aljan had spent several years collaborating closely with security forces, gathering intelligence, tracking down hideouts, and helping apprehend notorious criminals who had tormented communities in multiple northern states.

His work, often carried out at great personal risk, reportedly played a key role in weakening violent networks and restoring relative peace in some of the worst-hit rural areas.

In one of his most notable operations, Aljan was reported to have pursued bandits along the Kaduna–Abuja highway in December 2019, arresting suspects and recovering around 1,000 stolen cattle.

Operating under the banner of the Aljan Network, he ventured deep into the Rijina forest, an area well known as a stronghold of criminal gangs who, according to reports, were familiar faces in neighboring communities.

He was also credited with recovering weapons including AK-47s, an AK-49 rifle, double-barrel guns, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

According to earlier reports, the bandits allegedly attempted to bribe Aljan with ₦2 million to allow them safe passage with the stolen cattle.

Aljan had also been outspoken against negotiating with bandits, saying, “In my opinion, I think it is wrong for any governor to dialogue with bandits because they (bandits) are not to be trusted.

“Let them hand over all their weapons and also release all people in their custody if they are really serious with the dialogue.”

He maintained that he consistently rescued kidnapped individuals and stolen livestock, and ensured that recovered animals were returned to their rightful owners.

His efforts once prompted Pastor Yohanna Buru, National President of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, to call for a national award in his honor.

AYA emphasized that “Bandits feared the name ‘Aljan’ not because he compromised with them, but because he confronted them.”

The group described him as one of the North’s most courageous civilian contributors in the fight against insecurity, and questioned why such a figure is now behind bars under controversial circumstances.

The youth body pointed out that many citizens are troubled by the claim that Aljan’s legal ordeal began shortly after he helped in arresting suspected bandits in Bauchi State.

According to the group, local sources and community leaders said Aljan had handed over both the suspects and their weapons to security operatives, yet soon after, “the narrative reportedly shifted,” leading to his arrest and conviction.

AYA lamented that “the same man who had spent years putting his life on the line was suddenly treated as a criminal. His prolonged detention has left many confused and deeply troubled.”

While clarifying that it is not accusing any specific institution or individual, the group insisted that the unusual circumstances surrounding Aljan’s case demand immediate investigation.

They said it is unacceptable that someone who risked everything for public safety is now “languishing behind bars” rather than being honored.

“It is painful to see a man who saved lives and restored hope in communities now treated as a criminal,” AYA stated, adding, “Instead of being honoured for these sacrifices, he has been silenced and forgotten.”

The group is calling for “the immediate and unconditional release of Musa Nura Aljan, pending a full independent review of his case.”

“A public inquiry into the events that led to his arrest and conviction.”

“Stronger protections for whistleblowers and civilians assisting security operations.”

“Legal reforms to safeguard citizens who support anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping missions.”

AYA warned that Nigeria must not allow a situation where heroes are punished for their sacrifices.

“The North cannot remain silent when one of its bravest sons now suffers under questionable conditions. Positions of authority are temporary, but justice, fairness and accountability are eternal,” the statement added.

The group reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and the protection of all patriotic citizens who support national security efforts.

Muhammad Dantani, District Head of Maga in Danko/Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State, speaks about the attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, where bandits killed a staff member and abducted 25 students.

How would you describe what happened during the attack on the school?

It was a heartbreaking and traumatic incident for the entire Maga community.

In the early hours of the morning, bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in a coordinated and brutal assault. They killed one staff member, Malam Hassan Makuku, an Islamic scholar and patron of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria.

They also shot the school’s watchman, who is my uncle.

The attackers then proceeded to the students’ hostel area, causing widespread panic. Although they did not take all the girls, they abducted a significant number.

The attack shook the entire Zuru Emirate because, until then, our area had enjoyed relative stability due to earlier security efforts.

How did you personally learn about the attack?

At about 4:30 a.m., I received an urgent call from the school principal.

As district head, I returned the call immediately and was informed that armed bandits had entered the school.

Given the seriousness of the situation, we mobilised quickly to the school to assess the damage, check casualties, and verify the students’ whereabouts.

How many students were eventually confirmed abducted?

When we gathered the remaining students and conducted a headcount using the school register, it initially appeared that 27 girls were missing.

But during verification, we found that one had returned in the night and another had escaped on her own.

By 7 a.m, after a thorough check, we confirmed that 25 students were abducted. It was devastating because these girls are our children, and their safety is our communal responsibility.

Before the attack, were there security measures in place?

Yes, there were. In fact, security had been strengthened recently due to intelligence warning of a possible attack.

Acting on this, the governor ordered police officers to be deployed around the school and directed the nearby army troops, about a kilometre away, to move closer.

He insisted on proof of the deployment, and the army officer in charge even sent a photograph with the students as evidence.

This reassured the governor and local authorities that the school was adequately secured.

We also mobilised local vigilantes familiar with the environment. These combined efforts had previously protected Maga from attacks.

If security forces were deployed, how did the attack still happen?

That is the most troubling part. Around midnight, I called to confirm the soldiers’ presence and was told they were still at their post.

Unknown to us, they withdrew around 1 am, just before the attack began. We still don’t know who gave the order or why they left.

When the bandits arrived, the police officers on duty said they took cover because the attackers were too many, and engaging them would have meant certain death.

Their numbers and firepower were overwhelming.

With the army absent, the police felt they could not resist. As a result, the bandits operated from around 1:30 am to 3:30 am without any opposition.

Has the military given any explanation for the withdrawal?

When the governor visited, he was understandably angry. The army commandant present apologised on behalf of the military and admitted that the situation was mishandled.

The governor immediately ordered the creation of a high-powered investigative committee comprising the DSS, police, school authorities, and other relevant bodies.

Their job is to uncover the reason for the troop withdrawal and determine whether negligence or compromise played a role.

We are awaiting their findings.

Has there been any progress toward rescuing the abducted students?

Yes. Since the incident, the military and other security agencies have been combing the forests and conducting search-and-rescue operations.

Based on the intel available to us, the bandits have not moved far; they remain within bush paths along the Kebbi–Zamfara border.

The military is working to block every escape route, especially those leading into Zamfara. We are hopeful, prayerful, and confident that the girls will be recovered soon.

Were the vigilantes able to intervene during the attack?

No, they were not fully engaged. The police on duty explained that once they realised the attackers’ overwhelming number, they took cover to avoid being overrun.

Vigilantes usually support the police and military, but the scale and suddenness of this attack, combined with the army’s withdrawal, created conditions where direct engagement might have led to massive casualties.

Are there any known bandit camps within the Zuru Emirate?

There are no bandit camps within the Zuru Emirate. The area comprises four major LGAs, Fakai, Danko-Wasagu, Sakaba, and Zuru, each with ward and village heads who monitor their environments closely.

The real challenge is our border with Zamfara State. The River Ka marks the boundary.

Bandits often cross from Zamfara into Kebbi to carry out attacks. Once they retreat back into Zamfara, pursuing them becomes difficult because they have established camps and support there.

Even now, the army in Zamfara is increasing pressure on them.

What is your message to state and federal authorities?

My appeal is straightforward: restore the level of security we once had in Maga. We used to have armoured personnel carriers (APCs) stationed here, and they served as a strong deterrent.

Those APCs were critical to our safety, and their removal created a vulnerability.

Maga sits right on the Zamfara border, making it even more urgent to redeploy them and strengthen military presence. This is the only way to prevent future attacks and rebuild public confidence.

We understand special prayers are being held. Can you confirm this?

Yes. Some communities have already begun their prayer sessions.

In Zuru, there is an officially organised special prayer confirmed by the Special Adviser on Security. Here in Maga, we will begin ours tomorrow.

Our community believes in combining spiritual efforts with security action.

Prayer has always been one of our strengths, and with God’s help and continued efforts by security agencies, we hope to overcome this challenge.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has lamented the heavy human and economic toll of the secessionist agitation linked to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Kalu claimed that more than 30,000 people have been killed and thousands of businesses destroyed across the South-East because of the unrest associated with IPOB activities.

His remarks came days after Kanu was convicted on terrorism charges and sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, an outcome that has continued to spark intense debate.

Kalu urged political leaders and supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instead pursue a political pathway to resolving the long-running crisis.

He said,

“I wouldn’t like to talk about this issue. It’s not the time for noise-making or fighting. It’s a time for sober reflection. We have to solve this problem holistically. Do you know that over 30,000 Igbos were killed? People who have shops lost their businesses.”

The former Abia governor noted that public discussions often focus on clashes involving security agents, while the larger civilian casualties and economic losses are ignored.

Drawing from personal experiences, he recalled how the crisis destroyed the livelihoods of ordinary traders:

“My mother’s friend had a rice shop. The woman owed my mother about N4.2m. But they ransacked her shop, and she went bankrupt. Nobody talks about it.”

Kalu further revealed that he has been quietly engaging the Federal Government to find a negotiated settlement.

“Let Igbos stop being emotional. I want us to settle down, go on our knees and find a way that a man can be released. It’s part of my job to do it.”

He also recounted his previous interventions, including persuading the Buhari administration to grant Kanu bail in 2017.

According to him, he resisted pressures to stop his newspaper, The Sun, from publishing stories on Kanu during that period.

He said,

“I know my discussion with Nnamdi Kanu. I was the first to see him in 2016 and the first to meet him when he came from Kenya.
The then federal government wanted The Sun to stop putting Nnamdi Kanu on the front page. But I’m for free press.”

Kalu also defended Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the latest judgment against Kanu, insisting that court decisions should be respected while aggrieved parties seek redress through legal channels.

“Nobody should question the decision of Justice Omotosho. If you are displeased, you go to the appellate court. It’s not to start insulting the man.”

He criticised Kanu’s conduct in court, contrasting it with his own behaviour during his corruption trial.

“If you remember, I was given 12 years (imprisonment), but I never insulted the judge… We must condemn certain behaviours. Justice Omotosho is just a messenger of the court.”

DAILY GAZETTE had reported that Kanu was convicted on all seven terrorism-related counts and sentenced to life imprisonment on five of them.

He also received 20 years for membership of a proscribed group and five years for unlawful importation of a radio transmitter.

The charges stemmed from IPOB’s separatist activities, killings of security personnel, destruction of infrastructure, and Radio Biafra broadcasts.

The court ruled that Kanu’s threats and sit-at-home orders amounted to terrorism under Nigerian law.