The African Democratic Congress has criticised and oppos ed an alleged plan by the administration of Gov. Dikko Radda to release 70 suspected bandits currently being held in custody.
The opposition party said such a move would be perilous, unjust and a deep betrayal of communities and victims affected by years of banditry in several frontline local government areas of the state.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Katsina, the party’s spokesperson, Lawal Tukur-Batagarawa, cautioned that the proposed action would erode public trust in the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
He based the party’s position on a leaked “Secret” document from the Ministry of Justice, dated Jan. 2, 2026, which indicated that the state government had commenced legal steps to facilitate the release of the 70 suspects.
The document, reportedly signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, was said to have urged the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to take steps toward the release of the detainees, according to News Agency of Nigeria.
The Katsina State Government, reacting to the development, said the initiative was linked to efforts to sustain an existing peace arrangement with armed groups operating within the state.
According to the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Nasir Muazu, the decision was aimed at strengthening peace accords reached between affected communities and repentant bandits in various frontline areas.
Tukur-Batagarawa, however, warned that implementing the decision would dampen the morale of security operatives, dishonour officers who lost their lives in the course of duty, and further embolden criminal groups attacking rural communities.
“As a party, we condemn in the strongest terms the planned release of 70 suspected bandits by the Katsina State Government.
“It is totally unacceptable and irresponsible for any government to free criminals while communities continue to bleed,” he said.
He also disclosed the inauguration of the ADC’s state leadership, led by Ahmed Aliyu-Yar’Adua, alongside the formation of a membership mobilisation, registration and revalidation committee, to be chaired by Dr Mustapha Inuwa.
