Aleke Aleke in Abuja
Stakeholders involved in countering violent extremism in Nigeria have criticised the newly negotiated truce between bandit leaders and some communities in Katsina State, citing the lack of active involvement by the central government and state security forces.
The stakeholders were reacting to a widely circulated publication alleging that a group of bandits had reportedly reached a peace agreement with representatives of several communities in Katsina State following a meeting.
The publication further revealed that the peace deal, which took place on 12 October 2025 in Kakumi Village, Bakori Local Government Area (LGA), brought together representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua LGAs, alongside known bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone.
Responding to the latest peace deal with bandits in Katsina State, a security expert familiar with the nation’s soft approach to ending insurgency in the Northeast and Northwest stated that Operation Safe Corridor, a federal government peace-building platform, has a structured and systematic approach to conducting mediation and negotiation activities—one that is in stark contrast to what was done in Katsina.
Another source explained that sub-national negotiations on crimes affecting Nigerian citizens can only serve a short-term purpose.
He stressed that for any peace process to be credible and sustainable, it must be driven by the Federal Government.
Emphasising the need for synergy between national and sub-national structures in the negotiation process with bandits, the source expressed concern that Operation Safe Corridor, led by the Federal Government—whose Department of Peace-Building, Negotiation, and Mediation ought to have provided a structured process—was reportedly not involved.
Meanwhile, sources stated that the meeting aimed to restore sustainable peace and security across communities that have suffered from years of violence and bandit attacks in Katsina.
The publication identified the community representatives as Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Audu Goya (Funtua), and Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara).
Traditional rulers also participated. Among them were Ado Bello, District Head of Bakori; Galadiman Katsina, Abdullahi Mahuta (Malumfashi); Danejen Katsina, Abdulkadir (Kafur); and Sarkin Maskan Katsina (Funtua).
Representing the bandits were Ado Aleru of Yankuzo in Zamfara State; Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward (Bakori); Babaro of Gidan Gamji (Kankara); and Iliya Zango Dan Sabau (Kankara).
The meeting, which was closely monitored by stakeholders, lasted from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. and ended peacefully, with all parties pledging to uphold the terms of the agreement.
Resolutions reached included a cessation of hostilities, restoration of law and order, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence between the communities and the repentant bandit groups.
Nevertheless, this is not the first such meeting between bandit leaders and community representatives in the state. It is worth recalling that in June, a similar meeting was held in Katsina, and in September, stakeholders in two Katsina LGAs reached a truce with leaders of armed groups.
