Eric Patrick
A local group has successfully facilitated a peace initiative that has led to the surrender of several bandit commanders in Katsina State.
This, however, will mark a hopeful turn in the region’s ongoing struggles with banditry.
The group reported that the bandit leaders took the initiative to start discussions and consented to halt their attacks. However, some members insisted on keeping their weapons for self-defence.
Hamisu Sa’idu Batsari, the group’s leader, confirmed the development to journalists on Wednesday.
Batsari identified prominent figures among those who surrendered as Abu Radda, Maikada, Umar Blak, and Tukur Dannajeriya, along with their followers.
Batsari disclosed that each of these commanders, especially Abu Radda, is believed to have up to 500 fighters under his command,” he said.
Others, including Tukur Mairakumi, Maikada, and Tukur Dannajeriya, control between 200 and 300 fighters each.
During the peace talks, some of the bandits reportedly insisted on keeping their weapons, citing the need to defend themselves and their livestock against rival factions who opposed the peace deal.
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As part of the agreement, the bandits pledged to end all violent activities and release all captives, including those from outside the immediate region.
In return, the bandits have requested that the government ensure equitable treatment between them and local residents, including improved access to basic services such as clean water and education.
“They also demanded an end to arbitrary arrests and killings by security forces,” Batsari said.
“If any among them commits a crime, they want to be tried in court and punished according to the law.”
Director-General, Media and Communication to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Maiwada Danmallam confirmed the development to newsmen on Wednesday.
He said, “I can confirm bandit commanders around Batsari have voluntarily surrendered to the military.”
“As a government our stand is clear – His Excellency, Governor Radda’s policy of ‘no negotiation with terrorists’ still subsists,” he added.