Katsina Government Plans Release of 70 ‘Repentant Bandits’ Amid Controversy

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The Katsina State Government has defended its plan to release 70 individuals facing trial for alleged involvement in banditry, describing them as “repentant” and framing the move as part of efforts to consolidate peace agreements with armed groups terrorising communities across the state.

Gossip News Now reports that the plan has sparked widespread public outrage following the leak of a government letter seeking judicial approval for the release of suspects currently undergoing prosecution in various courts.

Justifying the move, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, explained that the release forms part of ongoing peace initiatives between affected communities and the armed groups. He noted that these accords have already produced tangible results, including the release of around 1,000 abducted residents.

“The peace agreements have led to the liberation of approximately 1,000 captives across multiple communities,” Muazu said during an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday. He added that at least 15 local government areas are covered by these arrangements, significantly reducing attacks and restoring safety in affected areas.

Muazu likened the proposed release to prisoner exchanges commonly carried out after wars. “All over the world, prisoners are exchanged during or after conflicts. During Nigeria’s civil war and in negotiations involving Boko Haram, similar measures were taken. The focus here is not on the offence but on sustaining peace,” he said.

He emphasized that neither the Ministry of Justice nor the courts were violating any laws and noted that those dissatisfied with the plan could seek legal redress.

The controversy erupted following a letter published by Sahara Reporters from the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge, requesting the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to facilitate the release.

Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter noted that 48 suspects facing banditry-related charges had been forwarded by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. The release was described as “a condition precedent for the continuance of the peace accord deal signed between frontline local governments and the bandits.”

Another 22 inmates, facing trial in different high courts, were also submitted for possible release under the same arrangement. The Ministry cited Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021, empowering the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to act in such matters.

Impact on Local Communities

Muazu provided a breakdown of abductees released under the peace deals: Sabuwa (310), Bakori (125), Danmusa (60), Dutsinma (62), and Safana (36). He maintained that the government’s actions were aimed at protecting lives and restoring stability.

A list obtained by Katsina Times revealed that a female suspect is among the 70 individuals slated for release. Notable names include Hadiza Dije Hauwa’u (Safana), Gambo Zubairu Faskari, Muntari Yusuf Safana, Yakubu Alhaji Ardo, Tukur Amadu (Liman), Idi Salisu Gaddi, Abdulhayatu Jabiru, Ya’u Buhari, and Amadu Rufa’i Anare.

Criticism from Rights Groups and Security Experts

The decision has drawn strong criticism from rights groups and security analysts. Abdullahi Hassan Kofar Sauri, head of Network for Justice, urged the government to compensate victims’ families.

“The convicted bandits are in government custody and should serve their sentences. Releasing them under a peace deal raises serious safety concerns for victims and witnesses,” he said.

Security expert Yahuza Getso described the plan as dangerous and insincere. “This approach undermines the fight against banditry. For instance, I know of a governor in the North-West who recently distributed motorcycles to volunteers and bandits. That shows weakness,” he said.

Ongoing Security Concerns

The move comes amid a resurgence of bandit attacks in parts of Katsina. Last Monday, eight persons were killed and several kidnapped in Malumfashi Local Government Area, affecting villages including Unguwar Alhaji Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo, and Gidan Hazo.

As of November 2025, 18 out of the state’s 34 local government areas had entered peace deals with bandits. While some areas have seen relative calm, others continue to experience attacks, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the agreements. Community leaders and traditional rulers pledged compliance with the terms, while bandits agreed to halt attacks and release captives, a promise critics say remains largely unmet.