Bandits reach truce deal with community leaders in Katsina

A group of bandits has reportedly reached a peace agreement with representatives of several communities in Katsina state following a meeting held under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative.

According to Zagazola Makama, counter-insurgency expert, the dialogue, which took place on October 12, 2025, at Kakumi Village in Bakori LGA, brought together representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua LGAs, alongside known bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone.

Sources reportedly said the meeting aimed to restore sustainable peace and security across communities that have been affected by years of violence and bandit attacks.

Those representing the communities included Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Audu Goya (Funtua), and Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara).

Traditional rulers also participated, among them the Ado Bello, district head of Bakori; Galadiman Katsina, Abdullahi Mahuta (Malumfashi); Danejen Katsina, Abdulkadir (Kafur); and Sarkin Maskan Katsina (Funtua).

Representing the bandits were Ado Aleru of Yankuzo in Zamfara state, Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward (Bakori), Babaro of Gidan Gamji (Kankara), and Iliya Zango Dan Sabau (Kankara).

The meeting, which was closely monitored by stakeholders, lasted from 2:00pm to 5:15pm and ended peacefully, with all parties pledging to uphold the terms of the agreement.

Resolutions reached included a cessation of hostilities, restoration of law and order, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence between the communities and the repentant bandit groups.

This is not the first such meeting between bandit leaders and community representatives in the state. In June, a similar meeting was held in Katsina.

In September, stakeholders in two Katsina LGAs reached a truce with leaders of armed groups under the federal government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative.