Wanted Bandit Kingpin Ado Aleru Resurfaces at Katsina Peace Talks, Sparks Outrage

Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit kingpin wanted by Nigerian authorities since 2020, made a surprising public appearance on Saturday at a peace meeting in Bichi, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Aleru, who has a N5 million bounty on his head, was seen in a video addressing community members, traditional rulers, government officials, and security personnel.

The meeting, reported by counterinsurgency platform Zagazola Makama, was aimed at fostering peace between Fulani herders and farming communities in the region. Aleru reportedly outlined measures to end violence and promote coexistence among the groups. Attendees included representatives of the Nigerian Army, Danmusa LGA officials, and religious leaders.

His presence and participation have sparked outrage both within Katsina and on social media, with many questioning the rationale behind engaging a wanted criminal in peace talks. A senior government official, speaking to *ThisDay*, condemned the meeting as a betrayal of justice, urging authorities to arrest Aleru rather than negotiate with him. “The police declared him wanted under CP Sanusi Buba’s leadership. A bounty was placed on his head. Now that he has resurfaced, he should be arrested and prosecuted,” the source said.

Despite the criticism, Katsina State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, defended the meeting. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Mua’zu confirmed that Aleru and seven other terrorist leaders had voluntarily surrendered and renounced violence. He added that the group had released 17 hostages and pledged to free more as a gesture of goodwill.

Mua’zu emphasized that the government spent two years combating the group and that the current approach is guided by both Islamic principles and international norms. “The governor has made it clear there will be no negotiations with active terrorists. But those who genuinely renounce banditry will be accepted and reintegrated,” he said. “Islamically and according to the Geneva Convention, continuing to fight those who have laid down arms and come forward for dialogue is unacceptable.”