“We Will Deal With You If……..” — Katsina Warns Repentant Bandits Against Violating Peace Deal

The Katsina State Government has warned repentant bandits that any breach of peace agreements will be met with firm consequences. This follows the recent appearance of notorious bandit leader Ado Aleru at a peace meeting in Bichi community, Danmusa Local Government Area.

Aleru, who has been on the police watchlist since 2020 with a ₦5 million bounty on his head, was seen addressing a gathering that included community members, security personnel, local government officials, and traditional leaders. The meeting, which also saw some bandit leaders pledge to lay down arms, was attended by personnel of the Nigerian Army and religious and traditional leaders.

During a press briefing on Monday, Nasir Mu’azu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, reiterated the state government’s firm stance against negotiating with bandits. He emphasized that while the administration of Governor Dikko Radda is open to peaceful reintegration of ex-bandits into society, it would not enter into formal negotiations.

Mu’azu acknowledged that some communities in Jibia, Batsari, and Danmusa LGAs had engaged in local peace talks with repentant bandits. He said these discussions, initiated by the communities and not the government, had contributed to a noticeable decline in violence in those areas.

The commissioner stressed that the state would continue to launch security operations in known bandit hideouts, including Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume. He warned that any former bandits who break their promise of peace would face the full weight of the law.

“We will give them the opportunity to return to normal life, but if they renege, we are going to deal with them as we used to,” Mu’azu said.