Bandit Leaders, Katsina Communities Sign Peace Pact to End Years of Violence

Tension is gradually easing across parts of Katsina State after bandit warlords and community leaders from several local government areas reached a peace agreement under the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative.

According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the truce was finalized on October 12, 2025, during a high-level dialogue held in Kakumi Village, Bakori Local Government Area.

The meeting brought together community representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua LGAs, along with prominent bandit commanders operating within the Funtua zone.

Sources disclosed that the peace talks sought to end years of recurring attacks, kidnappings, and killings that have ravaged southern Katsina communities.

The dialogue, which lasted more than three hours — from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. — was described as peaceful, constructive, and promising.

Representing the affected communities were Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Audu Goya (Funtua), and Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara).

Traditional leaders in attendance included the District Head of Bakori, Ado Bello, the Galadiman Katsina, Abdullahi Mahuta (Malumfashi), Danejen Katsina, Abdulkadir (Kafur), and the Sarkin Maskan Katsina (Funtua).

Representing the bandit groups were Ado Aleru of Yankuzo (Zamfara State), Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward (Bakori), Babaro of Gidan Gamji (Kankara), and Iliya Zango Dan Sabau (Kankara).

At the conclusion of the talks, both parties agreed to an immediate ceasefire, the restoration of law and order, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence between communities and repentant fighters.

Observers have hailed the development as a significant breakthrough in ongoing reconciliation efforts across the state. Similar peace engagements were held in June and September, also facilitated under Operation Safe Corridor, with the aim of promoting dialogue over armed confrontation.

Residents, while welcoming the accord with cautious optimism, hope the agreement will finally usher in lasting peace after years of insecurity, displacement, and bloodshed in the region.

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