Residents Reject Peace Deal With Bandits In Katsina

Residents of Batsari Local Government Area in Katsina State have voiced their opposition to a recent peace deal brokered with bandit leaders, including notorious figures like Abu Radde and Umar Black. The agreement, facilitated by the Nigerian military, has drawn significant skepticism from locals, who are unconvinced by its potential for success, citing past failed peace initiatives.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, a resident of the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, criticized the federal government for pushing forward with the deal without adequately involving the Katsina State government. The resident pointed out that the state’s governor, Dikko Radda, has been firm in his stance against negotiating with bandits, arguing that such deals put law-abiding citizens at a disadvantage.

“Several deals like this have been made before, but they have never worked. This one won’t hold either. The federal government is wrong to proceed without the state government’s input,” the resident lamented.

One of the major concerns expressed by the community was the significance of the weapons surrendered by the bandits during the peace deal. While the bandits handed over four AK-47 rifles, many locals saw this as a trivial gesture compared to the numerous weapons the bandit groups are believed to possess. “Four AK47 rifles from a group with hundreds of guns? It’s hardly a meaningful step,” the resident added.

The peace deal and arms surrender ceremony took place on January 19, 2025, in Batsari town, with military representatives present to ensure transparency. During the event, the bandits handed over four AK-47 rifles and released 15 captives, including three men, eight women, and four children.

According to military sources, the deal was a result of sustained operations under Operation Fasan Yanma, a combined force initiative aimed at disarming bandit groups and securing the release of kidnapped victims. While military officials described the event as a positive step towards disarmament and recovery, they emphasized that it was not a formal peace negotiation but rather part of efforts to curb violence and secure the region.

The surrendered weapons were handed over to the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, while the freed captives were transferred to local government authorities for rehabilitation.

Katsina State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango, reiterated the state government’s position against negotiating with bandits. “The state government was not part of any peace deal. Our position remains clear: anyone who renounces violence and surrenders their weapons will be considered, but we will not negotiate with bandits,” Zango stated.

The peace deal was reportedly the result of a meeting held in Kofa village, near Batsari, which included military officials, members of the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional leaders, and residents. Some of those present at the meeting described it as a step in the right direction, with the bandits pledging to halt their attacks and cooperate with local communities. However, many residents remained unconvinced, citing repeated promises from bandits that were never fulfilled.

“The bandits demanded safe access to our communities and promised to stop attacks, but we’ve heard such promises before,” another resident remarked.

Military sources have attributed the deal to the growing pressure from security forces, with Lt. Lawal, the Public Relations Officer of the 17 Brigade, expressing optimism that it would contribute to long-term peace in the region.

Despite these efforts, the rejection of the peace deal by both the residents and the state government reflects deep concerns about its sustainability. While progress has been made in curbing banditry in the region, the wariness of local stakeholders casts doubt on the effectiveness of the approach. Moving forward, only time will tell if the deal will lead to lasting peace or if it will ultimately follow the pattern of previous failed initiatives.