By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

Seven kidnap victims held by a notorious bandit kingpin have regained their freedom without payment of ransom in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Zagazola gathered that the victims, including one Nasiru Sani, aged 30, were found on Thursday by security operatives conducting routine patrols in Maradun forest.

During debriefing, the victims revealed that they had been abducted and held at the Bayan Ruwa camp controlled by the infamous bandit leader, known as “Jimou Smally,” who has been linked to a series of abduction cases in the area.

In a surprising development, the victims said they were released unconditionally by the kingpin and allowed to walk free without negotiation or payment.

They were later escorted to a nearby security post, where they received medical care before being reunited with their families.

While the motive behind the sudden release remains unclear, sources familiar with the development believe it may be connected to growing pressure from intensified security operations by the troops of Operation FANSAN TANMA across forests in Maradun and neighbouring areas. (Zagazola)