Outrage, condemnation as Katsina govt moves to release 70 suspected bandits

A security expert has warned that the Katsina State Government’s plan to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits facing trial could create serious long-term security problems, despite the government’s claim that the move is part of ongoing peace efforts.

Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST, a retired army captain and security analyst, Abdullahi Bakoji, described the decision as a high-risk strategy that may trade short-term calm for lasting damage to justice and public trust.

“What the Katsina State Government is doing is trying to reduce violence now, but the risk is that it may create bigger security problems later,” Bakoji said.

“Peace talks can help free abducted people, but releasing suspects accused of violent crimes must be handled very carefully.”

According to him, releasing suspects without clearly explained legal backing, accountability measures, and post-release monitoring could weaken deterrence and encourage criminal behaviour. 

“If people see that those accused of serious crimes are released without consequences, it ends the wrong signal,” he said.

 “It can make criminal groups believe violence is a bargaining tool, not something that attracts punishment.”

Bakoji stressed that peace initiatives must balance dialogue with justice, victim protection, and institutional credibility, warning that ignoring these elements could undermine security gains.

“In fragile security environments, any concession to armed groups must be carefully structured, transparent, and anchored in law to prevent unintended escalation.”

The warning comes amid public outrage over a leaked government letter seeking judicial intervention to secure the release of 70 persons standing trial for alleged involvement in banditry across Katsina State.

The controversy intensified after a letter emerged showing that the Katsina State Ministry of Justice had written to the Chief Judge of the state, requesting the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the suspects. The ministry cited Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021, which outlines the powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, and urged the Chief Judge to take “necessary action.”

However, the Katsina State Government has defended the move, saying it is part of efforts to consolidate peace deals reached with armed groups described as “repentant bandits.”

 The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was aimed at sustaining peace agreements between affected communities and armed groups operating in several local government areas.

Muazu, who spoke in an interview with DCL Hausa, said the peace arrangements had led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons across at least 15 local government areas of the state.

The commissioner compared the planned release of the suspects to prisoner exchanges during wartime, arguing that such actions are not new in conflict resolution. 

“All over the world, after wars, prisoner exchanges usually take place. During Nigeria’s civil war, prisoners were exchanged, just as it happened in negotiations involving Boko Haram,” he said.

“The issue is not whether an offence was committed or not, but ensuring peace.”

Muazu insisted that neither the Ministry of Justice nor the courts had violated any law, adding that anyone dissatisfied with the decision was free to seek legal redress.

Outrage, condemnation as Katsina govt moves to release 70 suspected bandits

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