A security expert has cautioned that the Katsina State Government’s move to facilitate the release of 70 suspected bandits currently facing trial could pose serious long-term security risks, despite official claims that the decision is part of ongoing peace efforts.
Speaking to newsmen, retired army captain and security analyst, Abdullahi Bakoji, described the plan as a high-risk strategy that could undermine justice, deterrence, and public confidence in the rule of law.
“What the Katsina State Government appears to be doing is prioritising short-term calm, but the danger is that this could create even bigger security problems in the future,” Bakoji said.
According to him, while peace talks can be useful in securing the release of abducted persons, freeing suspects accused of serious violent crimes without transparent legal safeguards could embolden criminal networks.
“If people see that those accused of banditry and mass violence are released without clear consequences, it sends the wrong signal,” he warned. “It could make armed groups believe violence is a bargaining chip rather than a crime that attracts punishment.”
Bakoji stressed that any peace initiative must balance dialogue with justice, accountability, and protection of victims, noting that neglecting these elements could erode institutional credibility and reverse security gains.
“In fragile security environments, concessions to armed groups must be carefully structured, transparent, and firmly anchored in law to avoid unintended escalation,” he added.
The warning comes amid widespread public outrage following the emergence of a leaked government letter seeking judicial intervention to secure the release of 70 suspects standing trial for alleged involvement in banditry across Katsina State.
The controversy deepened after documents surfaced indicating that the Katsina State Ministry of Justice had written to the Chief Judge, requesting the involvement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the suspects’ release. The ministry reportedly cited Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021, which outlines the committee’s powers.
In response to public criticism, the Katsina State Government defended the move, insisting it is part of efforts to consolidate peace agreements with armed groups described as “repentant bandits.”
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the initiative was aimed at sustaining peace deals that have reportedly led to the release of about 1,000 abducted persons across at least 15 local government areas in the state.
Speaking in a Hausa-language media interview, Muazu likened the planned release to prisoner exchanges during wartime, arguing that such measures are common in conflict resolution globally.
“After wars, prisoner exchanges usually happen. It happened during Nigeria’s civil war and even in negotiations involving Boko Haram,” he said. “The key issue is not just whether offences were committed, but how to secure lasting peace.”
Muazu maintained that neither the Ministry of Justice nor the courts had acted outside the law, adding that those dissatisfied with the decision are free to seek legal redress.
The development has reignited debate over the balance between peacebuilding and justice in Nigeria’s fight against banditry, with many residents and analysts warning that poorly structured concessions could worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.
