Residents of Batsari Local Government Area in Katsina State have expressed strong reservations about a recent peace deal brokered with notorious bandit leaders, including Abu Radde and Umar Black. Facilitated by the military, the agreement has faced widespread skepticism, with locals citing the repeated failures of similar initiatives in the past.
A resident, speaking anonymously, criticized the federal government for excluding the Katsina State government from the process. He emphasized that Governor Dikko Radda has consistently opposed negotiating with bandits, arguing that such deals undermine law-abiding citizens.
“Several agreements like this have been tried before, and none of them worked. This one won’t either. The federal government is wrong to proceed without involving the state government,” the resident remarked.
The deal included the surrender of four AK-47 rifles and the release of 15 captives, comprising three men, eight women, and four children. However, locals questioned the significance of the disarmament effort, describing it as inadequate given the scale of weaponry possessed by the bandits.
The peace deal, held on January 19, 2025, in Batsari town, was reportedly part of military operations under Operation Fasan Yanma. Military officials clarified that the event was not a negotiation but a move toward complete disarmament and the release of kidnap victims. The surrendered weapons were handed over to the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, while the freed captives were transferred to local authorities for rehabilitation. Katsina’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango, reiterated the state government’s stance against negotiating with bandits.
“Our position is clear: anyone who renounces violence and surrenders weapons will be considered. But we will not negotiate with bandits,” Zango stated.
Some participants in the peace meeting, held in Kofa village near Batsari, described the bandits’ pledge to halt attacks and collaborate with local communities as a positive step. However, residents remain doubtful, with many believing the promises will be broken.
“The bandits have pledged to stop attacks before, yet they always return,” another resident lamented.
While the federal government and military credit sustained pressure for the deal, the reluctance of locals and the state government highlights ongoing mistrust. As stakeholders monitor developments, questions linger about whether this approach will lead to lasting peace in Katsina State.
