Olusegun Ariyo
A dreaded bandit leader, Kachallah Bugaje, has publicly renounced banditry.
Bugaje promised to abandon criminal activities along with 50 of his fighters.
In a 5-minute, 42-second video published by Security Analyst and Counter Insurgency Expert in LakeChad, Zagazola Makama, Bugaje said he wished to be called Zakiru Bugaje.
He also denounced kidnapping and theft while declaring his decision to turn a new leaf.
“We have abducted over 50 people, called their families, and demanded ransoms—some as high as 10 million naira, others 25 million naira. But we later released them without collecting a penny, out of the fear of God,” he said.
Bugaje repeatedly expressed remorse for his past actions, emphasizing that he would no longer engage in criminality.
He praised Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and urged others involved in banditry to abandon their ways.
Bugaje also released 50 kidnapped victims to their families.