Katsina Justifies Planned Release Of 70 Suspected Bandits

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.

The commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, made the defence during an interview with DCL Hausa, where he said the release was part of confidence-building measures agreed upon between the affected local governments and repentant bandits.

According to Muazu, the peace accord, which involved at least 15 frontline local government areas, has already yielded tangible results, including the release of about 1,000 persons abducted during previous bandit attacks.

“The release of the 70 suspects is similar to what happens during wars, where warring parties exchange prisoners as a way of consolidating peace,” the commissioner said.

The government’s explanation followed public reactions to a leaked letter indicating that the state had initiated legal steps to secure the release of the suspects, many of whom were facing criminal trials.

The letter, first reported by Sahara Reporters, was dated January 2, 2026, marked “SECRET,” and issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge of the state.

Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, Esq., the letter requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detainees.

It disclosed that a list of 48 individuals accused of various banditry-related offences had been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs as part of the peace agreement conditions.

The ministry stated that the proposed release was necessary to sustain the peace accord reached between frontline local governments and bandit groups.

While a few of the suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, most were reportedly still awaiting trial at various magistrate courts across the state.

In a separate submission, the ministry also forwarded a list of about 22 inmates standing trial before different High Courts in the state, urging that they be released under the same peace arrangement.

The ministry maintained that the action falls within the statutory powers of the ACJMC under Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021.

Muazu revealed that the peace deal had led to the release of abducted persons across several local government areas, including Sabuwa, Bakori, Danmusa, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Safana, Malumfashi, Faskari, Musawa, Matazu, Jibia and others.

“For instance, in Sabuwa alone, over 300 persons were released. Bakori recorded 125, Danmusa 60, Dutsinma 62, while other local governments also recorded significant numbers,” he said.

The commissioner further defended the policy by citing precedents from Nigeria’s history and other conflicts, noting that prisoner exchanges are common tools for conflict resolution.

“During the Nigerian civil war, prisoners were exchanged between both sides. Even in the Boko Haram conflict, prisoners were released following negotiations, including during the release of the Chibok girls,” he said.

Muazu stressed that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts did not violate any existing laws, adding that individuals or groups dissatisfied with the decision have the right to seek legal redress.

Despite the government’s explanation, the move has continued to generate public debate, with critics warning that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes could undermine justice and embolden criminal elements, while supporters argue that lasting peace requires dialogue and compromise.