Katsina Govt Dismisses Claim of Sponsoring Bandit Leaders For Hajj

The Katsina State Government has dismissed allegations that it sponsored bandit leaders or other criminal elements for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, describing the claim as false, misleading and without any factual basis.

The government was reacting to comments allegedly made by one Bashir Kurfi during a programme aired on Trust TV, in which he claimed that the state government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for bandit leaders.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mua’zu, the government said the allegation was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine ongoing efforts to address security challenges in the state.

According to the statement, the Katsina State Government has never sponsored any bandit leader or individual involved in criminal activities for the pilgrimage.

“The allegation is entirely baseless, unfounded and devoid of any factual basis. It is a deliberate falsehood aimed at misleading the public and undermining the ongoing efforts of the government and security agencies in addressing security challenges across the state,” the statement said.

The government expressed concern that the allegation was being circulated at a time when security agencies, with the support of the state government, were recording significant successes in the fight against banditry and related crimes.

It alleged that the claim was intended to distract public attention from these achievements and create mistrust among residents.

The statement further accused some individuals and groups of politicising security issues for personal and political gain, alleging that they were dissatisfied with the government’s refusal to support what it described as questionable schemes aimed at diverting public resources from developmental projects.

The government challenged those behind the allegation to provide credible and verifiable evidence to substantiate their claims.

It warned that failure to do so could leave it with no option but to pursue lawful means of protecting its reputation and holding those responsible accountable for spreading false and defamatory information.

The state government urged members of the public to disregard the allegation and continue supporting security agencies and stakeholders working to restore peace, security and stability across Katsina State.

It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing security operations and implementing measures aimed at ensuring the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of residents.