The Katsina State Government has said it is not part of any ongoing negotiations with bandits in the state, despite reports that some community leaders are speaking with them.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, made this known while addressing journalists. He said that the government of Governor Dikko Umar Radda remains focused on fighting insecurity and will not enter into talks with criminals.
“We all know that Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, made promises that security is going to be his top priority, and he has effectively shown that commitment,” Mu’azu said.
He explained that the state’s security structure is divided into three parts, with about 10 or 11 local government areas identified as frontline communities. These include Jibia, Batsari, Safana, DanMusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume, where attacks by bandits have been common.
According to him, security agencies have made progress over the past two years in their operations, and God has helped the state achieve some peace.
He said the government’s position is clear: “The government of Katsina State under the leadership of Mallam Dikko Umar Radda will not negotiate with bandits. But if the bandits feel the need to drop their arms and come forward, the government is ready to give them a chance.”
He added that those who truly repent will be allowed to live as normal citizens in the state.
Mu’azu confirmed that some bandits from Jibia and Batsari local government areas recently sent messengers to talk to their community leaders. These talks, he said, were peaceful and have helped bring calm to the areas.
Also, he noted that bandits from DanMusa Local Government sent messengers to their people, leading to more peaceful discussions in that area too.
He stressed again that the government is not directly involved in the talks. “Let me make it crystal clear that Katsina State government is still in its position that we are not negotiating with the bandits. But as responsible leaders, if these people decide to lay down their arms, we will give them the opportunity to be responsible citizens in the state.”
However, he warned that if any of the bandits go back on their promises, the government will not hesitate to take strong action.
“We are going to deal with them as we used to,” he said.
