AYA expressed concern that a man widely regarded across northern communities as a fearless frontline defender is being punished instead of honoured.
The Arewa Youth Ambassadors (AYA) have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of renowned hunter and anti-terrorism volunteer, Shehu Musa Aljan, condemning his continued imprisonment by the Nigerian government despite his extraordinary contributions to national security.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Yahaya M. Abdullahi, the group said Aljan, whose key roles led to the arrest of several terrorist kingpins and rescue of kidnapped victims and rustled cattles, deserved national recognition, not the 45-year jail term currently hanging over him.
AYA expressed concern that a man widely regarded across northern communities as a fearless frontline defender is being punished instead of honoured.
According to the group, Aljan played a key role for years by assisting security agencies in tracking and apprehending terrorist kingpins, rescuing kidnapped victims, and providing critical intelligence in regions where state presence was weak or absent.
For more than a decade, local hunters in northern Nigeria have served as an informal but essential layer of security, especially in remote communities vulnerable to banditry and insurgency.
Their intimate knowledge of forests, hideouts, and escape routes has made them valuable partners for the military, police, and vigilante networks.
Experts say the efforts of these volunteers have prevented large-scale attacks, stabilised local communities, and complemented overstretched state resources.
Among them, Aljan emerged as one of the most trusted and effective figures.
Residents recount stories of his fearlessness, his willingness to pursue heavily armed criminals, and his consistent collaboration with security forces.
Community leaders say his work directly contributed to the arrest of several high-profile terrorist collaborators over the years.
AYA said it was “deeply troubling” that an individual celebrated as a hero in many northern villages is now behind bars.
While acknowledging the importance of respecting judicial processes, the group argued that justice must consider the broader context of his service and sacrifices.
“Punishing a man who risked his life for this country sends the wrong message,” the statement read.
The organisation warned that imprisoning individuals like Aljan could discourage community cooperation, an element critical to Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
Security analysts have long emphasised that successful operations depend on strong relationships between citizens and state authorities.
The case has also ignited a wider debate about the treatment of non-state actors who assist in security operations.
Many Nigerians believe such individuals should receive national honours, protection, and structured integration into community policing frameworks.
Instead, Aljan’s imprisonment has raised concerns about fairness and the long-term consequences for public morale.
AYA called on the President, Minister of Justice, traditional leaders, and security agencies to urgently review the circumstances surrounding the conviction.
They insist that Aljan’s bravery should be formally acknowledged, not forgotten in a prison cell.
“The continued detention of Shehu Musa Aljan is a moral and strategic setback,” the group said, insisting that justice must not dampen patriotism but reinforce it through fairness and recognition.
"AYA concluded by reiterating that Shehu Musa Aljan should be celebrated, not forgotten behind bars. They maintain that: His contributions must be formally acknowledged. His case deserves urgent review. His continued detention is a moral and strategic setback. Justice must reflect fairness, not discourage patriotism," the Arewa Youth Ambassadors said.