Why Katsina Government Approved Release of 70 Bandits in Swap Deal

The Katsina State Government has explained the circumstances that led to the release of 70 suspected bandits from custody, saying the move was part of a broader peace and hostage-swap agreement aimed at restoring stability to troubled communities.

The State Commissioner for Information, Salisu Bala, said the decision followed appeals by traditional rulers and community leaders who were directly involved in negotiating a peace accord with repentant bandit groups operating in several frontline local government areas of the state.

Earlier, an official letter had indicated that courts were directed to approve the release of 70 detained suspects, a development that triggered widespread public debate and criticism. Many Nigerians questioned why people accused of serious crimes, including killings, rape and destruction of property, were being freed.

However, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, had already clarified that the releases were tied to a peace deal reached between the bandits and affected communities. According to him, one of the key conditions of the agreement was the exchange of captives.

Bala said the peace initiative had produced tangible results. He disclosed that the bandits, in line with the agreement, released more than 1,000 hostages from several local government areas, including Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Malumfashi, Musawa, Matazu, Jibia, Bakori and Dutsinma.

He explained that after the hostages were freed, traditional rulers and community leaders formally approached the state government to facilitate the release of the detained bandits, in order to fulfill the communities’ own obligations under the peace accord. The government, he said, carefully considered the legal and judicial processes before approving the request.

According to Bala, the peace deal has already led to significant improvements in security and economic activities across the affected areas. He noted that farming has resumed, local markets such as those in Danmusa and Batsari have reopened, and many displaced residents have returned home to harvest their crops.

The commissioner urged the public to support the peace process rather than politicise it, stressing that similar swap arrangements are common in conflict situations. He argued that no one would oppose a deal that could secure the freedom of a loved one held in captivity.

He reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda remains committed to ending banditry and kidnapping in Katsina State through lawful and community-driven approaches that promote lasting peace.