Why we plan to release suspected bandits – Katsina government

The Katsina State government has justified its decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits, saying the move is essential to consolidating community-driven peace agreements with “repentant bandits” in several LGAs.

Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, disclosed that the initiative is part of broader reconciliation efforts that have already yielded results.

Muazu added that the initiative has resulted in the release of nearly 1,000 abducted persons across multiple LGAs.

His words come amid outrage trailing the decision, with critics saying the release of the suspected bandits undermines the law after a document on the move had been leaked to the press.

Reacting to the criticisms, Muazu compared the initiative to post-conflict prisoner exchanges, referring to Nigeria’s civil war, Boko Haram negotiations, and global best practices.

The commissioner stated, “People know that normally, after a war, there are a lot of changes, so people negotiate and agreed to release the people.

“‘If you can release our people, we too will release yours’. It happens after wars. Even here in Nigeria during the civil war, a lot of people were released from both parties, and even Boko Haram members too were released.

“Even those Chibok girls who were released. So, whether it’s good or bad, it’s not new in the history of war and peace.

“Both kidnappers and Boko Haram members are doing the wrong thing. According to Nigerian law, it’s a crime. And here in Katsina, it’s both people and the bandits that negotiated and agreed we followed due process at least 15 steps before finalising.

“They agreed to release all the remaining people that they kidnapped. In Safana LGA, they already released 36 people, Kurmi 42, Sabuwa 310, Faskari 136, Dan Musa 60, Manunfashi 36, Musawa 28, Matazu 33, Dutsinma 62, Jibiya 31, and Bakori 125. It happened openly and was even posted on social media.

“And also both parties agreed that the bandits can now be going to markets, hospitals, and do what they want freely. The negotiation is between them and the people and they already released almost 1,000 people in Katsina state.