Bandit leader attacks Katsina community, imposes multi-million naira levy amid failed peace talks

Peace negotiations between the Katsina State Government and armed bandit groups in Faskari Local Government Area have come under fresh scrutiny following a deadly attack by a suspected bandit kingpin on Doma community, where residents were also ordered to pay a multi-million naira levy.

Local sources said the attack was allegedly carried out by a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who had reportedly been part of ongoing peace talks with the state government.

According to the sources, Garwa led an assault on the community that left more than 20 residents dead. Shortly after the attack, the bandit leader reportedly demanded that the community pay a multi-million naira levy or face further violence.

The development has sparked panic in the area, forcing many residents to flee to nearby villages for safety.

“People are leaving the town because they fear the bandits may return if the levy is not paid,” a local source said.

Residents also lamented that the demand was impossible to meet, as many families have already been impoverished by repeated attacks, destruction of property and cattle rustling.

The incident has also raised concerns about the role of some local officials involved in the fragile peace process. A viral video circulating on social media reportedly showed officials of Faskari Local Government Area condemning soldiers who responded to a bandit attack while negotiations were ongoing.

Reports also indicate that some local government officials have attended ceremonies organised by bandits, an action critics say blurs the line between community engagement and complicity.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that negotiations with armed groups without proper disarmament and security guarantees are unlikely to produce lasting peace.

They noted that bandits involved in such talks could easily resume attacks on communities, a situation many believe has now occurred in Doma.

At the national level, the Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, had earlier warned that state governments engaging in negotiations with bandits were doing so at their own risk.

According to him, the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support such arrangements, noting that many armed groups often return to criminal activities after entering peace deals.

Illegal levies imposed by armed groups have become a growing form of extortion in parts of North-West Nigeria, particularly in communities affected by banditry.

Meanwhile, security agencies said operations against bandit hideouts in Katsina and neighbouring states are ongoing.

Residents of the affected communities have, however, called for stronger security presence to enable displaced families return home and resume their normal livelihoods.