The Katsina State government has defended its decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits, saying it is part of ongoing reconciliation efforts aimed at consolidating peace agreements with “repentant bandits” across several local government areas (LGAs).

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, explained in an interview with DCL Hausa that the initiative is designed to strengthen community-driven peace processes that have already produced significant results.

According to him, nearly 1,000 abducted persons have been freed across multiple LGAs as a direct outcome of the agreements.

The commissioner’s remarks come amid public outrage after documents on the release were leaked to the press, with critics arguing that freeing suspected bandits undermines the rule of law.

Responding to the criticisms, Muazu compared the initiative to prisoner exchanges that often follow wars or conflicts.

“People know that normally, after a war, there are a lot of changes, so people negotiate and agree to release the people,” he said.

“‘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.”

Peace Agreements Across LGAs

Muazu acknowledged that kidnapping and insurgency are crimes under Nigerian law but insisted that the reconciliation process followed due steps before finalising agreements.

“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,” he explained.

He listed the LGAs where abducted persons have been released: Safana (36), Kurmi (42), Sabuwa (310), Faskari (136), Dan Musa (60), Manunfashi (36), Musawa (28), Matazu (33), Dutsinma (62), Jibiya (31), and Bakori (125).

Muazu said the releases were conducted openly and shared on social media.

The commissioner added that both parties agreed that bandits could now access markets, hospitals, and other public spaces freely, as part of the peace deal.

“The negotiation is between them and the people, and they already released almost 1,000 people in Katsina State. They agreed to be in peace. I think what we should do now is to be prayerful for peace,” he said.

He noted that communities such as Jibiya, Batsari, Safana, Dan Musa, Sabuwa, Faskari, Dan Dume, Bakori, Musawa, Matazu, Kurfi, and Dutsinma are now experiencing relative calm.