A coalition of youth leaders under the banner of Arewa Youth Ambassadors (AYA) has issued a strong call for the immediate release and full legal reassessment of Musa Nura Aljan, a well-known civilian collaborator celebrated across Northern Nigeria for his contributions to security operations against banditry and kidnapping.
AYA’s position was contained in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, who described Aljan’s 45-year imprisonment as “deeply troubling” and inconsistent with his documented service to national security.
According to AYA, Aljan worked closely with security agencies for years, providing intelligence, tracking criminal enclaves, and aiding arrests of high-profile suspects. His efforts, often carried out at personal risk, reportedly contributed to significant breakthroughs in rural communities affected by widespread attacks.
In December 2019, Aljan gained national attention after intercepting bandits operating along the Kaduna–Abuja highway, recovering approximately 1,000 stolen cattle, multiple firearms—including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles—and thousands of rounds of ammunition. He also reportedly rejected a ₦2 million bribe offered by the suspects.
AYA noted that Aljan’s legal troubles began shortly after he assisted in the arrest of certain suspected bandits in Bauchi State, raising concerns about potential retaliation or procedural irregularities.
The group stated that community leaders and individuals familiar with the case insist that Aljan appropriately handed the arrested suspects and recovered weapons to security agencies. However, the narrative allegedly “shifted abruptly,” resulting in Aljan himself being arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced.
“The same man who spent years risking his life for society suddenly became the accused,” AYA said.
“This raises serious questions that cannot be ignored.”
AYA warned that Aljan’s imprisonment could undermine civilian trust in government-led security operations. The group stressed that Nigeria cannot afford a system that discourages whistleblowers or penalises citizens who assist security agencies in combating violent crime.
“It is painful to see a man who restored hope in many communities now languishing behind bars,” the statement added.
“He should be honoured, not abandoned.”
Immediate and unconditional release of Musa Nura Aljan pending a full, independent review of his case.
A public inquiry into the events leading to his arrest, prosecution, and conviction.
Protection for whistleblowers, civilian informants, and community volunteers assisting security agencies.
Legal reforms governing civilian participation in anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping operations.
The group stressed that the North must not remain silent when a major contributor to community security appears to have been “unfairly targeted.”
A Call for Accountability
AYA reiterated that positions of authority are temporary, but justice and fairness are enduring principles that must guide the country’s legal and security institutions.
The organisation affirmed its commitment to advocating for transparency, protection of civilian collaborators, and safeguarding of due process in all security-related prosecutions.
