The Katsina State Government has once again ruled out any negotiations with bandits responsible for repeated attacks and security threats in the state.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda made this declaration while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division and Commander of the Joint Task Force North West Operation during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Katsina.
“Our administration will not negotiate with criminals perpetrating evil acts in the state,” the governor stated. He emphasized that any peace deal with the bandits would only be considered under specific conditions to ensure lasting stability, adding that successful negotiations would require the full acceptance and involvement of affected communities.
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Governor Radda also revealed that a stakeholder engagement committee has been established to involve local communities in peace-building efforts while expressing the government’s willingness to support those who genuinely seek repentance and reintegration.
The governor said: ”The bandits were our ”brothers, born within us, but chose to be criminals. Those who sincerely surrender and seek to rebuild their lives will find support from our administration,”
“We are prepared to provide resources for their reintegration and livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society”
Governor Radda further reaffirmed Katsina State’s substantial investment in security infrastructure, surpassing many states in the federation.
He pledged continued logistical support to address fuel supply challenges and maintain operational effectiveness while commending the exceptional leadership of the Division and Brigade Commanders, describing it as exemplary by personally leading operations and demonstrating unwavering dedication.
The Governor also noted that the efforts of the Military combined with the collaborative operations of the Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps, have yielded significant improvements in the state’s security.
He said: ”Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to market,”
“This tangible progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint security strategies,”
Earlier, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose explained that he was in Katsina State as part of his first quarter operational visit to all states under the 8th Division which includes Katsina and to discuss with the State Government, the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest.
General Ajose also recalled the Chief of Defense Staff had written to the four states within the Zone on the recent developments, particularly reports of some bandits expressing interest in negotiating peace.
He said: “It is important to state categorically that the Nigerian Army does not engage in negotiations with criminals or bandits, we are committed to exploring holistic approaches to address this persistent and wicked challenge.”