The Katsina State Government has justified its plan to secure the release of about 70 individuals standing trial for banditry-related offences, arguing that the move is crucial to sustaining ongoing peace agreements with armed groups operating across the state.
The proposed release has generated intense public backlash after a confidential letter from the Katsina State Ministry of Justice surfaced online, revealing efforts to obtain judicial backing for the release of the suspects currently facing prosecution in various courts.
Reacting to the controversy, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was driven by the need to preserve fragile peace deals reached between affected communities and what the government describes as repentant bandits.
Speaking during an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, Muazu said the peace initiatives had already produced measurable results, including the freedom of nearly 1,000 abducted persons.
According to him, at least 15 local government areas participated in the peace process, which he said led to a noticeable decline in attacks and the release of kidnapped residents.
“These peace agreements have directly led to the release of close to 1,000 abducted persons across several local governments,” Muazu said.
He defended the planned release by drawing parallels with post-war prisoner exchanges globally, insisting that such measures are not unusual in conflict resolution.
“Across the world, after conflicts, prisoner exchanges are common. It happened during Nigeria’s civil war and even in negotiations involving Boko Haram,” he stated.
“The focus is not about debating whether offences were committed but about securing lasting peace.”
Muazu also maintained that the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary acted within the bounds of the law, adding that anyone opposed to the decision could pursue legal remedies.
The controversy followed a report by Sahara Reporters which published a letter written by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the state’s Chief Judge. The letter sought the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to facilitate the release of the suspects.
The correspondence, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, disclosed that 48 suspects accused of banditry had been submitted to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
It explained that their release was a key condition for maintaining peace agreements signed between bandit leaders and frontline local government areas affected by violence.
While some of the suspects are being tried at the Federal High Court, others are facing cases in various magistrates’ courts across the state. An additional list containing about 22 inmates undergoing trial at different state high courts was also forwarded for consideration under the same peace arrangement.
The ministry urged the Chief Judge to take appropriate steps, citing Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (2021), which outlines the responsibilities of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.
Breakdown of Released Abductees
Muazu provided figures showing the number of abducted persons freed following the peace deals, including: Sabuwa (310), Bakori (125), Danmusa (60), Dutsinma (62), and Safana (36).
He insisted that the government’s actions were motivated solely by the need to save lives and restore stability in communities ravaged by years of violence.
Meanwhile, a list obtained by Katsina Times revealed that among the 70 suspects proposed for release is at least one woman. Some of the names listed include Hadiza Dije Hauwa’u (Safana), Gambo Zubairu (Faskari), Muntari Yusuf (Safana), Yakubu Alhaji Ardo, Tukur Amadu (Liman), Idi Salisu Gaddi, Abdulhayatu Jabiru, Ya’u Buhari, and Amadu Rufa’i Anare.
Rights Groups, Experts Raise Alarm
The plan has, however, attracted strong criticism from human rights advocates and security analysts.
Speaking to Daily Trust, the head of the Network for Justice, Abdullahi Hassan Kofar Sauri, urged the government to prioritise compensation for victims and families affected by bandit attacks.
He criticised both state and federal authorities for previously denying involvement in negotiations with bandits, despite now seeking the release of convicted individuals.
“These bandits were tried, convicted and placed in correctional facilities. Suddenly releasing them under a peace deal raises serious concerns,” he said.
He questioned the safety of victims and witnesses, asking how communities could feel secure when individuals convicted of crimes such as murder or arson are released.
Kofar Sauri also faulted the absence of clear compensation plans for victims’ families, stressing the need for justice and restitution.
A security expert, Yahuza Getso, also warned that releasing the suspects could further destabilise Katsina State and the wider North-West.
He described the move as insincere and potentially dangerous, alleging that some political leaders had previously provided logistical support to bandits under the guise of peace efforts.
“This approach signals weakness and undermines the fight against banditry,” Getso said.
The debate comes amid renewed attacks in parts of Katsina State. Last week, gunmen invaded several communities in Malumfashi Local Government Area, killing eight people and abducting others. The affected villages included Unguwar Alhaji Barau, Gidan Dan Mai-gizo, and Gidan Hazo.
As of November last year, 18 of the state’s 34 local government areas had entered peace agreements with bandits. While some communities experienced temporary calm, others continue to face violent attacks, raising doubts about the long-term effectiveness of the deals.
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Under the agreements, traditional rulers and community leaders pledged to uphold peace terms, while bandits promised to halt attacks and release captives—a commitment critics argue has been repeatedly broken.
