Another Katsina Community Enters Peace Deal with Bandits (See Conditions)

Safana Local Government Area in Katsina State has become the latest community to enter into a peace agreement with armed bandits, joining other areas in efforts to restore calm and security to the state.

Following in the footsteps of Jibia, Batsari, and Danmusa LGAs, Safana’s peace deal aims to end violence and allow residents to return to normal life, particularly farmers who have faced repeated attacks in recent years.

The peace talks were held near Gemi Forest in Runka town and brought together local leaders, including Safana LGA Chairman Abdullahi Sani Safana, traditional rulers such as Yariman Katsina and Alhaji Sada Rufa’i, and the District Head of Zakkah, Alhaji Sani Muhammed Zakka. Representatives of the bandits and community members also participated.

Both sides agreed to work together to reconcile differences, build trust, and maintain peace within Safana and surrounding areas. Alhaji Sada Rufa’i urged bandit leaders to respect the agreement and live peacefully, while bandit representative Kachalla Ruga Alhaji Usman called on everyone—farmers, herders, and residents—to live and work without fear.

Youth leader Abdulhamid Danda encouraged young people from all sides to support the truce and act responsibly.

Chairman Abdullahi Sani Safana expressed optimism about the peace deal and promised government support to protect all parties’ dignity. He directed the education and health departments to assess and repair schools and hospitals serving Fulani herdsmen. He also assured free access to markets, health facilities, and other amenities, alongside plans to renovate local dams for the benefit of communities and livestock.

Peace Deal Conditions

The agreement outlines 20 key terms, including:

* Bandits must immediately stop all attacks, killings, and kidnappings.

* Farmers and residents must be allowed unhindered access to their farmlands.

* Communities must not harass Fulani herdsmen visiting towns and markets.

* Bandits will be permitted free movement for daily business activities such as visiting markets, hospitals, and shops.

Background of Katsina Peace Agreements

The peace initiative in Katsina began in early 2025 with Jibia LGA and has since extended to Batsari, parts of Safana, and Danmusa LGAs. These deals typically involve security agencies, traditional rulers, and local government officials and focus on releasing captives, ending violence, and guaranteeing safe community access.

Residents in these areas have reported several months of relative peace, although isolated attacks continue in some LGAs.

In Danmusa, repentant bandits publicly surrendered weapons and released kidnapped victims during a ceremony witnessed by security agencies and community leaders. Bandit kingpin Adamu Alero called for government support in providing social amenities and education to ensure a peaceful future for their communities.

Government Position on Bandit Negotiations

Despite the progress in community-led peace talks, the Katsina State Government maintains it does not negotiate with bandits. Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Nasir Mu’azu reaffirmed that the government only accepts unconditional surrender and disarmament.

Mu’azu praised Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s commitment to tackling insecurity and said security operations would continue in LGAs still affected by banditry. He warned that any violations of peace agreements would be met with swift and decisive action.