The Katsina State government has defended its decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits, saying the move is aimed at sustaining community-led peace agreements in areas affected by armed violence.
In an interview with DCL Hausa, Nasir Muazu, the state commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said the decision was necessary to consolidate negotiations with what he described as “repentant bandits” across several local government areas.
His comments followed public outrage after a leaked government document revealed plans to seek the release of suspects in custody. The letter, dated January 2, 2026, and marked Secret, was reportedly addressed to the state’s chief judge, requesting the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to facilitate the releases.
The document cited Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021, and described the measure as part of the conditions agreed under peace accords between frontline communities and armed groups. It said some suspects had already been arraigned at the Federal High Court, while others were awaiting trial at magistrates’ courts, with an additional list of about 22 inmates facing high court proceedings.
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‘Undermining the law’
The move drew sharp criticism from lawyers, civil society groups and members of the public, who argued that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes could weaken the rule of law, deny justice to victims and embolden criminal networks.
Muazu rejected the criticism, saying the initiative was part of a broader reconciliation process that had already delivered tangible results. He said negotiations had led to the release of nearly 1,000 abducted persons across multiple local government areas.
According to him, the releases followed structured talks driven by affected communities rather than imposed solely by the government. He compared the approach to post-conflict prisoner exchanges, citing Nigeria’s civil war, negotiations with Boko Haram and other international precedents.
“Banditry is a crime under Nigerian law,” Muazu said, but added that the peace process prioritised the release of hostages and stability over prolonged detention.
He said armed groups had agreed to free captives in return for assurances that detained members would be released and that they could resume normal activities such as visiting markets and hospitals.
Muazu listed communities where hostages had been freed, including Safana, Sabuwa, Faskari, Dan Musa, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsinma, Jibiya and Bakori, saying the releases were carried out openly and documented.
He said the agreements had brought calm to many previously volatile areas and urged residents to support the peace process.
“What we should do now is to be prayerful for peace,” he said. “Many of these places are now calm, and we should thank God.”
