Prominent sociopolitical groups, such as the Middle Belt Forum, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and others, have voiced outrage over the Katsina State Government’s plan to free 70 bandits as part of efforts to mend a failing peace agreement with bandit leaders.
In separate interviews with The PUNCH, the organisations called on the Federal Government to stop the provocative conduct, characterising it as dangerous and a threat to national security.
Additionally, Katsina State’s religious and community leaders strongly opposed the proposed amnesty for the bandits, characterising them as a serious threat to the state.
Over 1,500 citizens were killed in bandit raids in Katsina State between 2021 and 2025. As part of a peace agreement with armed organisations, the state government recently authorised the release of seventy alleged bandits. Critics claim the action weakens justice and gives criminals more confidence, sparking uproar.
However, it wasn’t confirmed on Monday if the bandits had been released or not after a correspondent from PUNCH 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.
Additionally, the ministry officials declined comments on the issue, neither confirming nor denying the allegations.
In a state that has experienced years of violent attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal acts connected to banditry, the government’s silence only served to increase rumours and public unease.
Afenifere kicks
Abagun Omololu, the organising secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, told The PUNCH on Monday that the plan amounted to an intolerable indulgence of dangerous criminals.
He went on to characterise the action as a serious threat to national security, careless, and unconstitutional.
“Afenifere Think Tank unequivocally rejects the reported plan by the Katsina State Government to release seventy bandits under the guise of a so-called peace arrangement. This proposal is reckless, irresponsible and profoundly dangerous to national security,” he said.
Omololu strongly warned that state governments lacked the constitutional authority to negotiate with terrorists, especially without full disarmament, accountability and judicial closure.
ACF expresses concern
Similar worries were voiced by the Arewa Consultative Forum, which cautioned that the revealed strategy might give criminal organisations more confidence and erode the authority of the state.
Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum’s National Publicity Secretary, issued a warning in Kaduna.
“Banditry constitutes heinous crimes with devastating impacts on communities. Any decision to release suspected perpetrators must place justice for victims at the centre,” he said.
Muhammad-Baba cautioned that criminal elements can misinterpret such gestures. They run the risk of feeling invincible and motivated to resume criminal activity. He continued, “Government acts should demonstrate strength rather than weakness.
He also raised concerns about broader implications.
“There is the risk of a contagion effect, where similar demands are made in other states. Security is a federal responsibility, and it is important to know whether the Federal Government was adequately consulted,” he said.
Katsina leaders react
Strong resistance was also expressed by Katsina State’s religious and communal leaders. Malam Umar Usman, a religious leader in Katsina city, called on the administration to reevaluate the choice.
“How can we, as religious leaders, support this dangerous move? Those who killed and destroyed communities should face the full wrath of the law. Honestly, we are not in support,” he said.
Similarly, Aminu Jafaru, a ward head in the Modoji area of Katsina, warned of possible reprisals.
“If these bandits are released, they will go after security operatives and those who gave information against them — village heads, ward heads and traditional leaders. Our people believe they will not stop their nefarious activities,” he said.
Katsina State Govt
He further argued that ‘repentant bandits’ had released about 1,000 persons during the peace deal, and that the release of the 70 detained persons was like a “prisoner exchange.”
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