The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State, Surajo Aliyu Daudawa, has secured the release of 26 kidnapped victims after personally entering the forest to negotiate with armed bandits from the Tafoki area.
Daudawa, it was gathered, met directly with a Fulani group that had earlier signed a peace pact with the local community. The negotiation, which took place despite repeated government warnings against engaging terrorists, was led by a notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who eventually facilitated the safe release of the abductees on Sunday.
Faskari Local Government, one of the hardest-hit areas in Katsina State, has over the years endured multiple attacks, raids, and kidnappings carried out by heavily armed gangs. Local sources revealed that the victims’ release followed intense discussions and assurances between the community representatives and the armed group.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, reiterated the federal government’s stance against peace deals with armed bandits, stressing that such negotiations had proven counterproductive.
General Musa stated that the military had repeatedly seen that whenever people tried to make peace with bandits, it backfired.
He further cautioned Nigerians, saying that attempts to broker peace with criminal gangs only endanger communities.
“Those who attempt to make peace with bandits are only putting themselves and their communities in danger, as the so-called truces are often used by the criminals to regroup and expand their operations,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating banditry across northern Nigeria through coordinated military operations rather than peace deals.
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