The Katsina State Government has clarified its decision to initiate the release of 70 individuals suspected of involvement in banditry, explaining that the measure is part of ongoing efforts to sustain a peace agreement with armed groups operating in the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Nasir Muazu, stated that the move aims to consolidate peace agreements already reached between affected communities and repentant bandits across multiple local government areas.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, Muazu addressed public reactions to a leaked government letter requesting judicial intervention to facilitate the suspects’ release.
He said the peace deal, which covers at least 15 local government areas, has already led to the release of around 1,000 individuals who had been abducted during bandit attacks.
Muazu likened the release of the suspects to wartime prisoner exchanges, noting: “All over the world, after wars, prisoner exchanges usually take place. During Nigeria’s civil war, prisoners were exchanged, just as it happened in negotiations involving Boko Haram.”
A letter dated January 2, 2026, and marked “SECRET,” surfaced online last week, revealing that the state government had begun steps to release suspected bandits facing criminal trials.
First reported by Vanguard, the document was issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the Chief Judge of the state.
Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Abdur-Rahman Umar, the letter indicated that a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry-related offenses had been forwarded to the ministry by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
The proposed release was described as a condition for continuing the peace accord between frontline local governments and the bandits.
The letter also noted that while some suspects had been arraigned before the Federal High Court, others were still in detention awaiting trial at different magistrate courts across the state.
Additionally, another list of about 22 inmates facing trial in various high courts in Katsina State was submitted for potential release under the same arrangement.
The Ministry of Justice urged the Chief Judge to take “necessary action,” citing the powers of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021.
Responding to criticism, Muazu emphasized that the peace deal has produced tangible results, with abducted individuals already freed in several local government areas, including Sabuwa, Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Danmusa, Bakori, and Dutsinma.
He further defended the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the courts, stating that they did not violate any existing laws and added: “Anyone dissatisfied with the process is free to seek redress through the courts.”
