In a dramatic turn in Katsina State’s long-running battle with insecurity, armed bandits have put forward demands for schools, hospitals, and support for animal husbandry as part of ongoing peace discussions with affected communities.
Talks opened on Sunday in Faskari Local Government Area, one of the epicentres of banditry in the state. The meeting, held at Hayin Gada, brought together community leaders and representatives of several armed groups, including notorious figures such as Alero and Kwashé Garwa, who is number 19 on Nigeria’s most-wanted terrorist list.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, Alero admitted this was not the first such initiative but noted that the turnout was “unprecedented.”
Community-led peace push
According to a statement by the Katsina State Government, the latest round of talks was not initiated by the state itself but by village leaders who sought a truce with the gunmen. This effort has already led to the signing of peace agreements across several local government areas, including Dan Musa, Jibiya, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa.
State Commissioner for Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed to the BBC that the militants’ demands were significant: construction of schools, building of hospitals, and facilities for animal grazing. He also highlighted that a sense of injustice and neglect had fueled the rise of cattle rustling, kidnappings, and violent attacks in the region.
Collapse of amnesty and escalation of violence
Between 2011 and 2015, banditry was largely restricted to five local government areas. However, the failure of a government amnesty programme saw violence spread across 25 local government areas between 2015 and 2023. The commissioner acknowledged that this collapse worsened the crisis, creating deep mistrust between the government and armed groups.
Security expert Kabiru Adamu welcomed the talks as a potential path to peace but urged caution.
“One of the root causes of the crisis is the feeling of oppression among some of the gunmen,” he explained. “But not all of them should be granted support. Some have made crime a way of life, and rewarding those risks fueling more violence.”
Stark numbers behind the crisis
The scale of the crisis remains alarming. A 2025 first-quarter report by Beacon Consulting revealed that 341 people were killed and 495 kidnapped in 247 separate attacks across Katsina State. Beyond the statistics are shattered families, displaced communities, and an economy struggling under the weight of insecurity.
Government’s rehabilitation push
In July, the Katsina State Government announced plans for literacy and vocational training programmes to help reintegrate repentant gunmen. Under the scheme, those who surrender weapons will be given opportunities to pursue both modern and Islamic education while being taught the consequences of violence, revenge, and crime.
The state’s Adult Education Agency has been tasked with driving this rehabilitation effort. Authorities believe education and skill acquisition are vital to changing mindsets and reducing the cycle of violence.
Looking ahead
While many residents welcome the peace talks as a much-needed reprieve, doubts remain over whether demands such as schools and hospitals should form part of a negotiation with armed groups. The government insists it is committed to restoring peace but is treading a fine line between appeasing militants and safeguarding communities.
For now, communities across Katsina wait anxiously, hoping that dialogue can succeed where years of force have failed, and that the fragile promise of peace does not collapse under the weight of mistrust.
