Katsina State Government has justified its decision to initiate the release of 70 suspected bandits who were found wanting in connection to banditry-related offences.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa over the weekend, Nasir Muazu, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the release of the suspects was aimed at consolidating peace agreements reached between communities affected by insecurity and repentant bandits.
Muazu explained that the peace deal, which involved at least 15 Local Government Areas, had already led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by repentant bandits.
He added that the release of the 70 suspects was similar to prisoner exchanges that occur during wartime.
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Last week, an official letter surfaced indicating that the state government had taken steps to secure the release of the suspected bandits who were facing criminal trials.
First reported by Sahara Reporters, the letter, dated January 2, 2026, and classified as “SECRET,” was issued by the state Ministry of Justice and addressed to the Chief Judge of the state.
The letter stated that the ministry requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspects.
Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter revealed that a list containing the names of 48 individuals accused of various banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
According to the letter, the proposed release was aimed at “facilitating their release from detention as one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace accord signed between the frontline Local Governments and the bandits.”
The Ministry of Justice further stated that while a handful of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, most remained in detention awaiting trial at various Magistrate Courts across the state.
The letter also mentioned a separate list of about 22 inmates facing trial before different High Courts in the state, who were also considered for release under the same peace arrangement.
The Ministry urged the Chief Judge to take “necessary action,” noting that the matter falls within the statutory powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The letter, however, sparked outrage and concern among Nigerians, with critics warning that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes such as banditry could undermine the rule of law, deny justice to victims, and embolden criminal groups.
In response, the commissioner noted that repentant bandits had already released about 1,000 persons under the peace deal and described the release of the 70 detained individuals as a form of “prisoner exchange.”
“For example, in Safana Local Government Area, they released 36 persons; in Kurfi, 42; in Sabuwa, 310; in Faskari, 36; in Danmusa, 60; in Malumfashi, 36; in Musawa, 28; in Matazu, 33; in Dutsinma, 62; in Jibia, 31; and in Bakori, 125 persons,” he said.
Muazu added, “Worldwide, it is common after wars for opposing groups to exchange prisoners. In Nigeria, during the civil war, prisoners were exchanged between the Nigerian and Biafran sides. Regarding Boko Haram, prisoners were released after agreements were reached, including some Boko Haram members released alongside the Chibok girls. Both warring groups release prisoners to the other side, so prisoner exchange is not new, regardless of whether an offence was committed. The focus is on maintaining peace.”
He emphasized that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the High Court did not violate existing laws and noted that anyone dissatisfied can seek redress through the courts.
Similarly, Bala Salisu Zango, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, in a personal opinion piece titled “Katsina Community Driven Peace Deal: When People Are Not Victims”, argued that criticism often comes from those who have not directly experienced banditry.
He maintained that communities affected by kidnapping, killings, and displacement are more likely to support unconventional measures that promise immediate relief and safety.
