Katsina signs peace deal with repentant bandits, warns against reneging on agreement

The Katsina government has reacted to the recent peace deals between repentant bandits and authorities in the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina commissioner for internal security and home affairs, clarified that the state government is not negotiating with bandits.

Last weekend, Ado Aleru, a wanted bandit leader, resurfaced at a peace meeting in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina state.

Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020, with a N5 million bounty on his head, was seen in a video addressing community members, government officials, security personnel, and traditional leaders.

The meeting was attended by personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA), Danmusa LGA officials, and religious and traditional leaders.

Some bandit leaders surrendered and embraced peace during the meeting.

In recent times, peace meetings with bandits have been held in other LGAs, including Jibia.

‘WE’LL DEAL WITH REPENTANT BANDITS IF THEY RENEGE ON AGREEMENT’

Mu’azu said while the state government would not engage in negotiations with bandits, it would offer them the chance to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens if they drop their arms.

The Katsina commissioner said some communities in Jibia, Batsari, and Danmusa LGA recently held productive discussions with repentant bandits.

He added that if the ex-non-state actors renege on their promises, the government will deal with them.

“The position of government is very clear, from ab initio, the government of Katsina under Dikko Radda will not negotiate with bandits,” he said.

“If the bandits feel the need to drop their arms and come forward, the government is ready to give them the opportunity to live like every normal citizen of Katsina state.

“We are very lucky that bandits in Jibia and Batsari LGAs came forward, through their messengers, and initiated discussions with the leadership of their communities.

“Alhamdulillah, the discussions were robust and we are having peaceful activities in both Jibia and Batsari LGAs.

“Last week, bandits in Danmusa LGA also sent a messenger to their communities. There was also discussion and it yielded another form of peace deal with the LGA authorities as well as all the communities in Danmusa LGA.”

The Katsina commissioner said intermittent attacks will continue on bandit hideouts in Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume.

“We will give them the opportunity for them to continue with normal activities but in case of them reneging their promises, we are going to deal with them as we used to,” he said.