Authorities in Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state have struck a peace deal with criminal gangs, aiming to end years of violence, a government official confirmed on Monday.
Katsina is among several Nigerian states plagued by these “bandits,” who raid villages, kill, abduct residents, and loot homes.
These gangs operate from vast forest camps spanning multiple states, notably conducting mass kidnappings of students in recent years.
On Saturday, a dozen bandit leaders met with local officials and community figures in Danmusa, where they reportedly renounced violence and pledged peace, according to Katsina state internal commissioner Nasiru Mu’azu.
Mu’azu stated the bandits initiated the meeting, and the community welcomed their overtures, agreeing to a deal based on a genuine interest in peace.
As a gesture of goodwill, the gangs surrendered weapons and released 17 hostages, promising more releases.
Previously, Katsina authorities had ruled out such deals due to past breaches by the criminal groups.
Primarily motivated by financial gain, these bandits’ increasing alliances with i from the northeast concern authorities and analysts.
In 2023, Katsina Governor Dikko Umar Radda established the Katsina Community Watch Corps, a 2,000-strong vigilante group supporting military and police efforts against the bandits.
Mu’azu emphasized that while the governor would not negotiate from weakness, this opportunity was extended because the bandits initiated the dialogue.
Last November, neighboring Kaduna state, which typically rejects negotiations, signed a peace accord with similar criminal gangs in the Birnin-Gwari district.
