Reckless and Dangerous”: Afenifere, ACF Blast Katsina’s Plan to Free 70 Bandits

Leading socio-political organisations across Nigeria, including Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and several others, have voiced strong objections to a reported plan by the Katsina State Government to release 70 suspected bandits as part of efforts to revive a faltering peace agreement with armed groups.

The groups described the proposed action as dangerous, ill-advised and potentially destabilising, urging the Federal Government to step in and halt what they termed a provocative move with far-reaching security implications.

Religious leaders, traditional authorities and community representatives within Katsina State have also expressed deep concern, warning that granting amnesty to individuals accused of violent crimes could further endanger lives and undermine public confidence in governance.

Katsina State has witnessed a prolonged wave of banditry, with more than 1,500 civilians reportedly killed between 2021 and 2025. The state government’s approval of the release of 70 detainees as part of a peace arrangement has since triggered widespread debate, with critics arguing that it weakens justice and rewards criminal behaviour.

Efforts to independently verify whether the suspects had already been released proved inconclusive, as officials at the Katsina State Ministry of Justice declined to confirm or deny reports surrounding the development. This lack of official clarification has intensified public anxiety in a state already grappling with years of deadly attacks, mass abductions and displacement linked to banditry.

Despite the backlash, the state government maintains that the proposed release is intended to consolidate peace efforts and facilitate the freedom of abducted persons. Authorities claim that previous negotiations have led to the release of over 1,000 captives, likening the process to prisoner exchanges typically associated with wartime negotiations.

However, security analysts and civil society voices across the country have criticised the approach, warning that it could fuel impunity and encourage renewed violence. Defence Minister Christopher Musa has previously cautioned that engaging bandits through negotiations often emboldens them and complicates broader security operations.

Afenifere condemns move

Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, described the reported plan as an unacceptable appeasement of violent criminals. Its Organising Secretary, Abagun Omololu, warned that the move posed a serious threat to national security and violated constitutional norms.

He argued that state governments lack the authority to negotiate with armed groups without disarmament, accountability and judicial closure, stressing that such actions undermine the rule of law and place innocent citizens at risk.

Omololu cautioned that insecurity in one state could easily spread beyond its borders, noting that individuals released in Katsina could resurface in neighbouring states or migrate elsewhere to continue their activities.

Arewa Consultative Forum raises alarm

The Arewa Consultative Forum echoed similar concerns, warning that releasing suspected bandits could embolden criminal networks and erode the authority of the state.

The forum stressed that justice for victims must remain central to any peace initiative and warned that perceived concessions could give criminal groups a sense of invincibility. It also questioned whether the Federal Government had been fully consulted on the matter, given its constitutional responsibility for national security.

Opposition from Katsina communities

Within Katsina State, religious and community leaders have expressed apprehension about the proposed amnesty. Several warned that released bandits could target security personnel, informants, traditional leaders and local officials who previously assisted law enforcement.

Youth leaders in affected communities have also threatened legal action, arguing that releasing suspects accused of killings, rape and extortion would amount to a betrayal of victims.

While some clerics acknowledged that peace dialogue could have benefits if properly managed, they noted widespread fear and resentment among residents who doubt the sincerity and reform of armed groups involved in years of violence.

Coalition of Northern Groups rejects amnesty

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) also condemned the plan, describing it as a dangerous capitulation masked as peace-building. The group rejected comparisons between the release of bandits and wartime prisoner exchanges, insisting that criminal gangs cannot be treated as legitimate negotiating parties.

According to the coalition, releasing suspects facing trial sends a message that violence is rewarded and justice negotiable, while victims remain unheard and uncompensated.

Katsina government defends policy

Defending the initiative, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, said the decision was part of a broader, community-driven peace strategy involving at least 15 local government areas.

He said repentant bandits had freed hundreds of abducted persons across several communities, adding that prisoner exchanges are not uncommon in conflict resolution efforts globally.

Danmusa maintained that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts were lawful, noting that dissatisfied parties were free to seek legal redress.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango, argued that communities directly affected by banditry are often more receptive to unconventional peace measures that promise immediate safety and relief.

Experts urge caution

Security experts, however, urged a more cautious approach. A retired senior naval officer, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (retd.), said negotiations should only occur after the state demonstrates clear dominance over armed groups through decisive security operations.

He stressed that talks conducted from a position of weakness risk legitimising criminality and undermining long-term peace.

Calls for federal intervention grow

The Middle Belt Forum described the plan as an encouragement of banditry and called for urgent federal intervention. Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders also warned that the release could have ripple effects nationwide, potentially spreading insecurity to other regions.

Other socio-cultural groups, including the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, similarly rejected the move, warning that it could deepen insecurity and erode public trust in government’s ability to protect citizens.

As public debate intensifies, pressure continues to mount on both the Katsina State Government and federal authorities to clarify the status of the detainees and outline a security strategy that balances peace efforts with justice, accountability and the protection of lives.