Katsina State authorities slammed the brakes on calls for negotiation with bandit groups, declaring it a dangerous gamble. Officials believe such talks would embolden criminals rather than bring peace.
The decision made public by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Danmusa, follows a spike in violent attacks by bandits in Katsina and neighboring states, leaving a trail of casualties and displaced residents.
Negotiation, Danmusa said, is a “dangerous mission” that could validate these criminal gangs and hand them undue power. “We don’t think negotiation with bandits is the way to go, taking into cognizance that their approach is clear: they just want to kill people for negotiation,” the official said. “We are watching them, and we will not venture into the dangerous mission.”
Danmusa said the government had resolved to continue fighting bandits until they were captured or lay down their arms. “Government will not relent in its efforts to tackle insecurity in the state,” he added.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
