US EditionWhy We Freed 70 Suspected Bandits - Katsina Govt
The release of 70 bandit suspects supports a peace deal covering 15 local governments and has already led to freeing about 1,000 abductees, state officials said.
- A leaked Jan 2, 2026 document showed the Katsina State Government began steps to free 70 persons suspected of banditry, revealing a secret letter emerged online last week.
- The peace deal with armed groups covers at least 15 local government areas, with officials saying it has led to the release of about 1,000 abducted individuals.
- Signed by Abdur‑Rahman Umar, the letter urges the Chief Judge of Katsina State to take `necessary action` under Section 371, listing 48 suspects and about 22 inmates for possible release.
- On Saturday, Muazu told DCL Hausa that the Ministry of Justice and courts did not breach laws and pointed to freed abductees in Sabuwa, Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Danmusa, Bakori, and Dutsinma.
- Historically, similar swaps during the civil war and Boko Haram negotiations have been compared to the Jan 2, 2026 secret letter framing releases as a peace accord condition.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Katsina Defends Release Of 70 Bandits
The Katsina State Government has justified its plan to facilitate the release of 70 persons facing trial for alleged involvement in banditry, describing it as part of efforts towards consolidating peace deals with armed groups operating across the state. The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was aimed at sustaining peace accords reached between affected communities and “repentant bandits.…
Daily Post Nigeria
Why we freed 70 suspected bandits - Katsina Govt
The Katsina State Government has clarified its decision to initiate the release of 70 individuals suspected of involvement in banditry, explaining that the measure is part of ongoing efforts to sustain a peace agreement with armed groups operating in the state The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Nasir Muazu, stated that the move aims to consolidate peace agreements already reached between affected communities and repenta…
Katsina govt defends move to free 70 suspected bandits
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the action was intended to consolidate a peace deal reached between affected communities and “repentant bandits” The post Katsina govt defends move to free 70 suspected bandits appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Why Katsina State's Release of 70 Bandits is a National Security Breach and What Citizens Should Demand
The Katsina State Government’s defence of its plan to release 70 bandits raises serious national security and governance concerns. Development Diaries reports that the Katsina State Government recently justified its plan to facilitate the release of 70 persons facing trial for alleged involvement in banditry. According to media reports, the state government described it as part of efforts towards consolidating peace deals with armed groups opera…
Katsina Govt Defends Decision To Release 70 Suspected Bandits For 'Peace'
Katsina State Government has revealed why it plans to help secure the release of 70 suspected bandits, saying the move is tied to ongoing peace efforts in troubled communities. Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision is meant to strengthen peace agreements […]
Why We Are Releasing 70 Bandits, Some Under Trial For Terrorist Activities – Katsina Govt
Katsina State government has justified its decision to release 70 persons suspected to be involved in banditry-related offences, describing the move as a strategic step aimed at sustaining an ongoing peace process across insecurity-prone communities. But the move has generated anxiety and public debate with critics warning that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes could undermine justice and embolden criminal elements. But supporters of …
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