The Katsina State Government has denied claims that it is actively negotiating with bandits. Instead, it clarified that its primary focus is on reintegrating repentant criminals who voluntarily surrender their weapons and choose to embrace peace.
TheNewsGuru reports that this clarification follows the emergence of viral reports and video footage featuring wanted bandit leader Ado Aleru.
Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020 with a ₦5 million bounty on his head, was seen addressing traditional rulers, local officials, and personnel from the Nigerian Army.
This sparked public outcry, as many perceived the situation as evidence of state-sanctioned negotiations. At a press conference on Monday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, emphatically stated that the Dikko Radda-led .
“The position of the government is very clear — from the beginning, Governor Dikko Radda has said the Katsina government will not negotiate with bandits,” Mu’azu declared.
He added, however, that any bandit willing to lay down arms would be given a chance to reintegrate and live as a law-abiding citizen.
“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,” he said.
Mu’azu explained that the peace meetings seen in recent weeks were initiated by local communities, not by the state government.
He confirmed that Jibia and Batsari LGAs had witnessed successful dialogue between community leaders and some bandit groups.
“We are lucky that in Jibia and Batsari, the bandits came forward through messengers and initiated discussions with their communities’ leadership,” he said.
He noted that a similar peace outreach took place in Danmusa last week, where discussions between community representatives and repentant bandits had led to “another form of peace deal.”
“The discussions were robust and we are currently seeing peaceful activities in these areas,” he added.
Despite the cautious optimism, the commissioner warned that the state would continue military operations in high-risk areas such as Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume, even as peace discussions continue elsewhere.
“We will give them the opportunity to continue normal lives, but in case they renege on their promises, we will deal with them as we used to,” he warned.