Wanted bandit leaders join Katsina peace talks as communities seek truce

Communities in Katsina State have entered into fresh peace negotiations with armed groups, raising concerns of a repeat of past failed agreements that ended in renewed violence.

On Sunday, residents of Faskari Local Government Area—one of the worst-hit councils in the state—met with bandit leaders at Hayin Gada community to seek a ceasefire.

At the talks, the bandits reportedly agreed to suspend attacks, allow farmers free access to their farmlands, and release abducted persons. In return, they demanded freedom of movement, access to local markets, and development projects in their communities.

Among those present was the notorious bandit commander, Alero, who spoke for several armed groups. Also in attendance was Kwashé Garwa, listed as number 19 on Nigeria’s most-wanted terrorists’ list.

Garwa, who appeared with ammunition strapped to his waist, condemned what he called the “stereotyping” of Fulani herders as criminals. He warned that killings and kidnappings would persist until what he described as “injustice” against Fulani communities was addressed.

Security sources link Garwa, a native of Kamfanin Daudawa village in Faskari, to multiple raids, kidnappings, and killings across Katsina and neighbouring states. His open participation in the peace talks has drawn criticism from analysts who view it as a dangerous precedent.

Similar negotiations have reportedly taken place in Jibia and other frontline local government areas, with residents striking direct deals with bandit leaders to secure safe passage, end raids, and reopen markets.

Governor Dikko Radda, speaking recently at the launch of an EU-funded conflict prevention project, acknowledged the initiatives, describing them as “community-owned solutions” that had restored calm in four of Katsina’s eight high-risk councils.

This marks a shift from Radda’s earlier rejection of dialogue with bandits. However, security experts warn that similar peace deals in Katsina and Zamfara between 2019 and 2021 eventually collapsed, as the armed groups regrouped and extended their influence.

Despite reports of calm in some areas, many residents say they are still compelled to pay “taxes” and levies to bandits.

Katsina remains at the epicentre of Nigeria’s banditry crisis, with years of killings, mass abductions, and displacement. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) estimates that more than 1.3 million people have been displaced across the North-west since February 2025.

Police spokesperson in Katsina, Sadiq Abubakar, could not be reached for comment on the role of security agencies in the latest peace process.