In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, the group expressed “deep concern” over Aljan’s continued incarceration and the 45-year prison sentence he is currently serving, an outcome that has sparked outrage among many residents and community leaders.
A group under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Ambassadors (AYA) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Musa Nura Aljan, a civilian widely praised across Northern Nigeria for his role in assisting security agencies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and armed criminal gangs.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, the group expressed “deep concern” over Aljan’s continued incarceration and the 45-year prison sentence he is currently serving, an outcome that has sparked outrage among many residents and community leaders.
According to the group, Aljan spent years working closely with security operatives, gathering intelligence, tracking criminal hideouts, and helping arrest notorious suspects who had terrorised communities in several northern states.
His activities, often carried out at great personal risk, reportedly contributed to the disruption of violent criminal networks and the restoration of relative peace in some of the hardest-hit rural areas.
In December 2019, Aljan reportedly hunted down bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja highway, apprehended some bandits and recovered no fewer than 1,000 cattle believed to have been stolen around Rijana, Kaduna-Abuja road area of Kaduna state.
Under the aegis of Aljan Network, the local hunter reportedly went to the Rijina forest, known to be the hideout of the criminals who turned out to be well-known faces in the communities bordering the highway.
Aljan, who was described as an extraordinary robber catcher, also recovered two AK-47 rifles, an AK-49 rifle, double-barrelled guns and thousands of live bullets from the bandit.
Aljan said the bandits tried to bribe him with N2 million to allow them to cross over the Kaduna bridge with the cattle, according to a report by Daily Trust.
Aljan is also known for opposing any dialogue between bandits and the government, reportedly stating that it is wrong for state governors to engage in talks with criminal groups.
“In my opinion, I think it is wrong for any governor to dialogue with bandits because they (bandits) are not to be trusted.
“Let them hand over all their weapons and also release all people in their custody if they are really serious with the dialogue,” he said.
Aljan also said that he had been rescuing people and animals from kidnappers and bandits who visited a reign of terror in many states across the nation, according to a report by the Nigerian Tribune in December 2019.
He further disclosed that all recovered animals were always handed over to their owners, noting that herdsmen come from all over the Northern region to identify their stolen animals.
The National President, Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, Pastor Yohanna Buru, had reportedly called for a national award for Aljan and his people, and called on wealthy individuals and organisations to support Aljan’s efforts in fighting against bandits.
Group Demands Aljan’s Release
In its statement on Monday, the Arewa Youth Ambassador noted, “Bandits feared the name ‘Aljan’ not because he compromised with them, but because he confronted them.”
The group described Aljan as one of the North’s “bravest civilian contributors to the fight against insecurity”.
The group said Aljan’s imprisonment has raised “serious questions” among citizens and stakeholders, especially after reports emerged suggesting that his legal problems began shortly after assisting in the arrest of certain suspected bandits in Bauchi State.
According to the group, local sources, community leaders, and individuals familiar with the case told the AYA that Aljan had handed over the arrested suspects, along with weapons, to the appropriate security operatives.
However, the narrative reportedly shifted soon afterwards, resulting in his arrest and subsequent conviction.
“Rather than being commended for his bravery, the narrative surrounding the incident reportedly shifted,” the group stated.
“The same man who had spent years putting his life on the line was suddenly treated as a criminal. His prolonged detention has left many confused and deeply troubled.”
The group stressed that while it does not accuse any individual or security institution, the circumstances surrounding the case demand urgent scrutiny.
The group lamented that a man who risked his life to protect society is now “languishing behind bars”, instead of being celebrated for his service.
“It is painful to see a man who saved lives and restored hope in communities now treated as a criminal,” the statement noted. “Instead of being honoured for these sacrifices, he has been silenced and forgotten.”
The group demanded, “The immediate and unconditional release of Musa Nura Aljan, pending a full independent review of his case. A public inquiry into the circumstances leading to his arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.
“Protection for whistleblowers and civilian collaborators who assist security agencies in combating criminality, and reform of legal processes affecting civilian partners who support anti-kidnapping and anti-banditry operations.”
AYA warned that Nigeria cannot afford a system in which citizens who put their lives on the line to protect others end up being punished or abandoned.
“The North cannot remain silent when one of its bravest sons now suffers under questionable conditions. Positions of authority are temporary, but justice, fairness and accountability are eternal,” the group said.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice and protection for all patriotic citizens aiding national security efforts.
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