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Notorious Bandit Leader, Kachallah Bugaje, Renounces Crime, Frees 50 Kidnap Victims

Published

4 weeks ago

Jan 31, 2025.

Bandit leader Kachallah Bugaje renounces crime, changes name to Zakiru.
He confesses to kidnapping over 50 people but claims they were freed.
Public reaction remains divided over the authenticity of his repentance.

Feared bandit leader, Kachallah Bugaje, has publicly renounced banditry, pledging to turn a new leaf alongside 50 of his fighters.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a 5-minute, 42-second video released by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Bugaje declared his decision to abandon criminal activities and requested to be addressed as Zakiru Bugaje.

Bugaje admitted to orchestrating multiple kidnappings, detailing how his group abducted victims and demanded hefty ransoms.

“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 stated.

He expressed deep remorse for his past actions, repeatedly insisting he had turned a new leaf. In the video, he also praised Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and urged other criminals to renounce their ways.

As a demonstration of his commitment to change, Bugaje released 50 kidnapped victims, describing it as the beginning of a fresh start.

His sudden renunciation has triggered mixed reactions. While some see it as a positive step in tackling insecurity, others remain skeptical about his sincerity.