Individuals linked locally to bandit‑terrorist networks attended a royal ceremony in Katsina, prompting debate over whether the event reflects genuine progress toward peace or a premature public recognition without verified disarmament.
By Onibiyo Segun and Suleman Ayuba
(BATSARI, Katsina State) – Individuals linked to armed groups emerged from forest areas to attend a royal ceremony in Batsari, creating a peace spectacle while raising questions over security, surrender and accountability.
Forest Figures At Royal Ceremony
The coronation of Alhaji Sani Tukur as Sarkin Ruma of Katsina and District Head of Batsari was expected to celebrate tradition, culture and leadership.
Instead, the appearance of individuals described locally as former armed group members became the defining moment of the August 29 ceremony.
Thousands of residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and political figures attended the event, which featured horse riding, cultural displays and public support for the new traditional ruler.
A resident of Batsari, Saad Abubakar told TruthNigeria that many guests were surprised when the men arrived and mixed with residents. He described a new atmosphere of cooperation between communities and people previously associated with armed groups.
“Former fighters leaving forest locations to appear publicly at a major traditional event showed progress. We are satisfied with peace in Batsari and have no fear, Bala Musa, a resident of Batsari told TruthNigeria.
Why Batsari Matters
Batsari has for years been one of Katsina State’s frontline areas in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
The district sits close to the Rugu Forest axis, an area associated with kidnappings, cattle rustling and attacks linked to armed groups operating across the Katsina-Zamfara border region.
Security reports and local accounts have linked influential bandit-terrorists, including Abu Radde, Ado Aleru and Dan Karami, to the wider lawlessness in the Northwest.
Research on Batsari has documented how armed groups used forest locations as bases to launch attacks, rustle cattle and target rural communities.
The appearance of individuals associated with armed groups at a major traditional ceremony therefore raises a central question: Was Batsari witnessing genuine renunciation of violence to resolve disputes between gangs, or was public recognition coming before a formal surrender process?
A Long Effort to Abandon Gang Warfare
The Batsari ceremony comes after years of dialogue efforts involving communities, traditional institutions and government representatives.
Katsina has pursued both military operations and socalled non-kinetic approaches aimed at reducing attacks and encouraging armed actors to abandon violence.
Some initiatives created temporary reductions in violence and opened channels for communication.
However, security experts have repeatedly warned that dialogue without verification, weapons surrender, monitoring and accountability will not deliver lasting peace.
The challenge for Batsari is balancing two realities: communities want an end to attacks, while the state must ensure peace efforts do not weaken accountability.
Security Questions Behind The Celebration
“The concern is not the gathering itself, but whether identities were confirmed and a structured process guided their participation. Without verification, it is difficult to determine whether this is a security gain or gap,” Maj. Gen. Bello Fadile Adewanbi rtd., former Commander of 17 Brigade Nigerian Army in Katsina, told TruthNigeria.
He went on to say, “authorities must establish whether those attending were properly identified and whether there was a clear framework guiding their participation.”
The issue Adewanbi said, was “not dialogue itself but ensuring that peace efforts were supported by proper security procedures.”
Peace Achievement Or Public Recognition?
Dr. Sada Salisu Ruma (Danwaire), who spoke on the history of the Ruma traditional institution, described the gathering as a symbolic gesture toward reconciliation – evidence that dialogue can rebuild trust.
“The participation of the former armed actors showed confidence was gradually returning among communities,” Mamman Mannir Murtala, Chairman of the Batsari Reconciliation and Peace Committee, said.
“You can see that they brought nono, milk, and cattle, while cultural activities are taking place side by side. The secret we are proud of is building trust and confidence among ourselves,” Murtala added.
Hamisu Haruna, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Fulani Association, described the gathering as “an unusual moment where residents and people previously associated with forest communities appeared together publicly.”
Brigadier General Sagir Musa and Alhaji Sani Tukur who attended the ceremony, commended the organisation of the event and congratulated the new traditional ruler. They thanked the Katsina Emirate, government officials, lawmakers and residents who attended the coronation.
But security analysts warn that public engagement with armed actors is risky. “There is a clear difference between surrender and negotiation, and that difference matters for long-term security,” Prof. Kabiru Sani, Professor of Counterterrorism and Security Studies at Bayero University Kano, told TruthNigeria.
Public appearances without verified disarmament create a perception that armed actors had gained recognition, according to security experts interviewed by TruthNigeria.
Where Are The Victims?
For residents affected by years of violence, the meaning of reconciliation remains complicated.
“Peace requires victims’ inclusion and it must be measured by returning farmers, rebuilt displaced families and restored community trust”, Dr. Aisha Mahmud, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, told TruthNigeria.
Batsari’s Next Test
The ceremony created a powerful image: individuals linked to armed groups standing with traditional leaders and residents. But Batsari’s real test begins after the applause whether identities are verified, weapons removed, victims included and peace efforts deliver lasting security.
Onibiyo Segun and Suleman Ayuba report on terrorism and conflict for TruthNigeria.
