Notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, has reportedly released more than 50 people who had recently been kidnapped in Zamfara state.
Eyewitnesses saw buses full of hostages heading to Zamfara state capital, Gusau.
Officials have not said why the group’s leader, Turji, decided to release dozens of people.
It appears to be part of an effort to persuade the state government to grant him amnesty, local residents say.
The Nigerian Air Force says it has recently been targeting the bases of the criminal gangs behind the frequent kidnappings.
Two of the most wanted gang leaders had been killed, it said.
Chronicle NG reported that the deployment of Super Tucanos have helped the Nigerian military penetrate bandit and kidnappers camps.
Air Task Force, (Operation Hadin Kai) killed many bandits, in raids carried out at some forests in Zamfara and Sokoto States.
Military intelligence said the Air Task Force aggressive operation, in conjunction with ground troops of the Nigerian Army, took place at Shinkafi town in Zamfara, and Bafarawa, Isa, Sabon Birni axis in Sokoto State.
According to the intelligence source, many bandits were killed while others were injured.
The deputy to Bello Turji was eliminated by the airstrikes of the ATF which led to him writing the Nigerian government and calling for a ceasefire.
