KATSINA – The Katsina State Government has defended its decision to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits, describing it as a necessary step to consolidate peace agreements between communities and “repentant” armed groups in several local government areas.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, disclosed this in an interview on Monday, responding to widespread public and legal criticism following the leak of a government letter marked ‘SECRET’ dated January 2, 2026, and addressed to the Chief Judge.
The letter sought the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the suspects’ release under Section 371(2) of the state’s criminal justice law.
Muazu said the process emerged from structured, community-led negotiations aimed at ending hostilities and securing the release of abducted persons, which he claimed has already resulted in nearly 1,000 hostages being freed across frontline LGAs including Safana, Sabuwa, Faskari, and Dutsinma.
“They agreed to release all the remaining people that they kidnapped… It happened openly,” Muazu stated, likening the arrangement to post-conflict prisoner exchanges seen after Nigeria’s civil war and in deals with Boko Haram.
He emphasized that banditry remains a crime under Nigerian law but argued that peace-building sometimes requires unconventional approaches to save lives and restore stability.
Civil society groups and legal practitioners have criticized the move, warning that releasing suspects accused of grave crimes undermines the rule of law, denies victims justice, and could embolden criminal networks.
The state government, however, insists the initiative is community-driven and has already brought measurable calm to previously volatile areas.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from state officials. The legal and security implications of releasing suspects remain subject to debate and judicial oversight.
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