The North‑Central Writers Advocacy Group, NCWAG, has expressed shock over reports that the Zamfara State Government under Governor Dauda Lawal secretly released a large number of convicted terrorists and bandits from correctional facilities within the state.
NCWAG also called on the Presidency, the National Security Adviser, NSA, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Interior, and the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation to urgently investigate the matter and brief Nigerians.
This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Jos on Saturday, signed by Irimiya Dunat, coordinator of the group.
Parts of the statement read, “According to published reports, a total of 291 Boko Haram members and 219 armed bandits were allegedly freed under circumstances that have not been explained to the Nigerian public.
“These individuals were not awaiting trial; they were convicted criminals whose offenses include terrorism, mass violence, kidnapping, destruction of communities, and other acts that have destabilised the North‑West and the entire federation for over a decade.
“If the reports are true, NCWAG says the action represents one of the most disturbing breaches of public trust and national security in Nigeria’s fourth republic.”
NCWAG warned that Nigeria is currently battling “unprecedented multilayered security challenges”.
The alleged release of hardened terrorists without public accountability or judicial transparency “threatens to worsen this national crisis”, the group warned.
The group further gave a seven‑day ultimatum to the Zamfara State government to publicly address the allegation.
It asked the state government to provide documentary evidence of the identities of all persons released.
“Disclose the legal basis for their release; clarify whether any negotiations, political agreements, or election‑related considerations were involved,”
NCWAG added.
