Tension has gripped parts of Zamfara State following reports that the state government has released more than 500 inmates previously convicted for various banditry-related offences over the last six years.
Sources within the Gusau Correctional Centre confirmed that among those freed were 69 convicted hardened bandits who allegedly received a secret state pardon reportedly approved by Governor Dauda Lawal around September 2025.
Information gathered suggests that the released inmates were handed over to the Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board, which was instructed to integrate them under a religious-based amnesty arrangement.
Further reports indicate that eight suspects remanded since January 2022—linked to criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, trafficking in human parts, and alleged acts of cannibalism—were also among the beneficiaries of what has been described as a backdoor amnesty.
The development has sparked widespread confusion and concern among residents, many of whom fear that the return of such individuals to the society could heighten insecurity in the state.
State authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged mass release.
Source: Zamfara news letter