Condemnation as Katsina set to release 70 bandits

Katsina map

Prominent socio-political organisations, including Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and others, have expressed outrage over a plan by the Katsina State Government to release 70 bandits as part of measures to patch up a floundering peace pact with bandit leaders.

The groups, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, described the move as reckless and a danger to national security, calling on the Federal Government to halt the provocative action.

Also, religious and community leaders in Katsina State voiced strong opposition to the proposed amnesty for the bandits, whom they described as a grave threat to the state.

Katsina State is dealing with a surge in bandit attacks, with over 1,500 civilians killed between 2021 and 2025. Recently, the state government approved the release of 70 suspected bandits as part of a peace deal with armed groups. The move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it undermines justice and emboldens criminals.

This newspaper couldn’t confirm on Monday whether the bandits had been released or not after one of our correspondents visited the office of the Katsina State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General to confirm if the bandits were still in custody and verify the authenticity of the alleged documents, including signatures reportedly linked to the release of the suspects.

However, the ministry officials declined comments on the issue, neither confirming nor denying the allegations.

The silence from the government further fueled speculations and public anxiety, particularly in a state that has endured years of violent attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities linked to banditry.

However, the government claims the planned release is part of efforts to consolidate peace and secure the freedom of abducted persons. Over 1,000 people have been released through similar negotiations. The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs likened the release to prisoner exchanges during wartime.