By Fourteen well-known bandit groups operating in Batsari and Jibia local government areas of Katsina State have laid down their arms and agreed to peace, according to a peace-building organization involved in the negotiations.
Hamisu Sai’id, the Project Coordinator of Peace For All Organisation, confirmed the development during an interview, saying it followed months of steady dialogue, community outreach, and trust-building between local leaders and the armed groups.
“In Batsari, we had eight bandit groups who surrendered. Among them is Abu-Radde, who commands over 500 fighters; Umar Black, with more than 300; and Turkur Dan-Nigeria, who controls over 200,” Sai’id said. “In Jibia, six groups have surrendered, including Langai, Sahabi, and Ori.”
He noted that for the past three months, no attacks have been recorded in communities that were previously hotspots for raids, kidnappings, and cattle rustling. This, he said, was a major achievement and a sign that the peace deals were working.
However, the situation remains tense in Safana local government, where no bandit group has yet surrendered. “The bandits there are still active and have been targeting those who already surrendered, stealing their cattle,” he explained. Despite that, he said some military-led talks have started to show early signs of progress.
Sai’id also raised concerns about political interference disrupting peace efforts in Safana. “The chairman of Safana LGA later called the military and said his people won’t negotiate with bandits. And I think this has political undertones,” he added. Despite criticism and accusations of misusing donor funds, he emphasized: “What we want is peace. I don’t need to carry a gun; I use my skills to help bring peace.
