Thousands of residents in Zamfara State are reportedly in a state of confusion following the sudden release of more than 500 inmates convicted of various banditry-related offences over the past six years.
According to Zamfara News Letter, the releases were carried out under the administrations of former Governor Senator Abdul’aziz Yari and current Governor Dauda Lawal, now Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
An insider at Gusau Correctional Facility told Zamfara News that among the released inmates were 69 hardened criminals allegedly granted a state pardon by Governor Lawal in a backdoor move in September 2025.
The report adds that the released bandits were directed to the Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board, which facilitated their reintegration under a religious amnesty programme.
Disturbingly, Zamfara News also reported that eight of those granted pardons were remanded suspects arrested in January 2022 for serious offences, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, dealing in human parts, and cannibalism.
The move has sparked widespread concern among residents, who fear the potential implications of reintegrating convicted criminals into society without public consultation.
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