The North‑Central Writers Advocacy Group (NCWAG) has raised alarm over reports that the Zamfara State Government, led by Governor Dauda Lawal, secretly released a large number of convicted terrorists and bandits from state correctional facilities. In a statement issued in Jos, the group’s coordinator, Irimiya Dunat, said the alleged release involved 291 Boko Haram members and 219 armed bandits, freed under unclear circumstances. These individuals had been convicted of terrorism, mass violence, kidnapping and the destruction of communities—offenses that have destabilised the North‑West region and the country for more than a decade.
NCWAG has called on the Presidency, the National Security Adviser, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation to investigate the matter and brief the public. The group views the alleged action as a disturbing breach of public trust and national security, especially given Nigeria’s current multilayered security challenges. Releasing hardened terrorists without public accountability or judicial transparency, NCWAG warned, could exacerbate the national crisis.
The group has given the Zamfara State government a seven‑day ultimatum to publicly address the allegations and provide documentary evidence of the identities of all persons released. NCWAG also seeks clarification on the legal basis for the releases and whether any negotiations, political agreements or election‑related considerations were involved. The issue has significant implications for national security and public trust, and the group’s call for investigation and transparency aims to ensure governmental accountability.
The situation in Zamfara is part of the broader security challenges facing Nigeria, which has been battling Boko Haram insurgency and banditry in the North‑West for years. While the federal government works to address these threats, the alleged release of convicted terrorists and bandits could hinder progress. As the country continues to navigate its security issues, transparency and accountability in governance become increasingly vital.
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