Katsina plans release of 70 bandits under amnesty deal

Widespread condemnation has greeted plans by the Katsina State Government to release 70 suspected bandits as part of efforts to revive a troubled peace deal with armed groups operating in the state.

Prominent socio-political organisations, including Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), described the move as reckless, dangerous and a threat to national security, urging the Federal Government to intervene and halt the plan.

The proposed release comes amid renewed bandit attacks in Katsina, where over 1,500 civilians have reportedly been killed between 2021 and 2025. Critics argue that freeing suspects facing trial undermines justice, rewards criminality and emboldens armed groups.

Attempts by journalists to confirm whether the bandits had already been released were unsuccessful, as officials of the Katsina State Ministry of Justice declined to comment, neither confirming nor denying the reports. The silence has further fueled public anxiety.

Reacting, Afenifere said the plan amounted to appeasement of violent criminals and warned that state governments lacked the constitutional authority to negotiate with terrorists without full disarmament and accountability. The group cautioned that freed bandits could resume attacks or spread insecurity to other states.

Similarly, the ACF warned that releasing suspected bandits could weaken the authority of the state and encourage further criminality, stressing that justice for victims must remain paramount.

Religious and community leaders in Katsina also opposed the move, expressing fears of reprisals against informants, traditional rulers and security operatives. Some residents threatened legal action if the release proceeds.

The CNG described the plan as “dangerous capitulation disguised as peace-building,” arguing that banditry is criminal terrorism, not a conventional war that justifies prisoner exchanges. The group lamented the absence of justice, restitution and compensation for victims.

Defending the policy, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, said the release was part of a community-driven peace process that had led to the freedom of over 1,000 abducted persons. He likened the move to prisoner exchanges during wartime and insisted it did not violate any law.

However, security experts and civil society groups warned that negotiating from a position of weakness could worsen insecurity and called for decisive security action before any dialogue.

The MBF and Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautioned that the decision could have ripple effects nationwide, while other groups described it as an invitation to further violence, urging immediate federal intervention.