The Katsina State Government has strongly refuted claims of participating in any peace negotiations with bandits in the Batsari Local Government Area. This follows reports of a supposed peace deal involving notorious bandit leaders, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Bala Salisu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, clarified the government’s stance during a phone interview. He reaffirmed that the government does not engage in direct negotiations with bandits but remains open to considering those who voluntarily surrender and renounce violence.
“We were not part of any peace deal, and the government’s position has always been that anyone who renounces violence and surrenders their weapons would be considered. But the government would not go asking to negotiate with any bandit,” Dr. Salisu stated.
The controversy stems from reports that a meeting was held on Sunday in Kofa village, west of Batsari town, where prominent bandit leaders were present. It is said that the meeting involved military officials, representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional rulers, and local residents.
An unnamed resident, who claimed to have attended the gathering, noted, “The bandits demanded safe access to our communities and pledged to stop their attacks. They surrendered weapons and released captives, claiming this was the beginning of a comprehensive peace process.”
Among the bandit leaders reportedly involved were Lamu Saudo, Abdulhamid Dan Da, Umar Black, and Abu Radda. They allegedly handed over their weapons and freed kidnapped victims as part of the discussions.
Military sources also acknowledged the development, attributing the bandits’ surrender to intensified security operations in the region. Lt. Lawal, the Public Relations Officer of the 17 Brigade Army, noted that the sustained pressure from military forces left the bandits with little choice but to seek peace.
