Following reports of an alleged peace deal involving bandit kingpins in the Batsari Local Government Area (LGA), the Katsina State Government has denied participating in any form of negotiations with bandits.
But the government reiterated its willingness to accept any bandits who voluntarily surrender and renounce violence.
Dr Bala Salisu, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that the government remains firm in its position against negotiating with bandits.
“We were not part of any peace deal, and the government’s position has always been that anyone who renounces violence and surrenders their weapons would be considered. But the government would not go asking to negotiate with any bandit,” Dr Salisu said.
Reports indicate that a peace meeting involving the military, DSS representatives, traditional leaders and residents took place on Sunday in Kofa village, West of Batsari town.
One of the residents who claimed to have attended the negotiation, said: “The bandits demanded safe access to our communities and pledged to stop their attacks. They surrendered weapons and released captives, claiming this was the beginning of a comprehensive peace process.”
Notorious bandit leaders, including Lamu Saudo, Abdulhamid Dan Da, Umar Black, and Abu Radda, reportedly surrendered their weapons and freed kidnapped victims during the meeting.
Military sources confirmed that the surrender followed sustained military operations that left the bandits with no choice but to seek peace.
Lieutenant Lawal, the Public Relations Officer of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, corroborated this development, attributing it to the relentless pressure applied by security forces.
Originally published in Daily Trust
