Why Katsina Government Approved Release of 70 Suspected Bandits – Official

Global Mirror News gathered that the Katsina State Government has defended its controversial decision to initiate the release of 70 persons standing trial for banditry-related offences, describing the move as part of a broader peace-building and prisoner-exchange framework with repentant armed groups.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, explained in an interview with DCL Hausa that the releases were necessary to consolidate an ongoing peace accord reached between communities affected by violent attacks and armed groups that had agreed to lay down their weapons.

According to Muazu, the peace deal covers at least 15 Local Government Areas and has already resulted in the release of about 1,000 kidnapped victims by armed groups who have embraced the reconciliation process.

“The release of the 70 detainees is similar to what happens in war situations, where opposing sides exchange prisoners in order to end hostilities and restore peace,” Muazu stated.

Secret letter triggers National reaction
Global Mirror News reports that public attention was drawn to the development after a confidential letter dated January 2, 2026, surfaced last week.

The document, first reported by Sahara Reporters, was marked “SECRET” and issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice to the Chief Judge of the State. Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, Esq., the letter requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of detained suspects as part of the peace agreement.

The letter disclosed that a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry-related crimes had been forwarded by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to the Ministry of Justice.

It further explained that their release was a “condition precedent” for the continuation of the peace accord between frontline Local Governments and the armed groups.

A separate list of 22 additional inmates facing trial before different High Courts in Katsina was also submitted for similar consideration.

The Ministry of Justice told the Chief Judge that the matter fell within the statutory powers of the ACJMC under Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021, urging swift action.

However, the development sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many citizens and civil society groups warning that freeing suspects accused of violent crimes could undermine justice, weaken the rule of law, and embolden criminal networks.

Over 1,000 abductees freed under peace deal
Responding to the backlash, Muazu revealed that the peace agreement had already produced concrete results, with armed groups releasing hundreds of captives across multiple Local Governments.

He provided a breakdown of those freed:
Safana – 36, Kurfi – 42, Sabuwa – 310, Faskari – 36, Danmusa – 60, Malumfashi – 36, Musawa – 28, Matazu – 33, Dutsinma – 62, Jibia – 31, Bakori – 125
“These figures alone show that the peace initiative is working.

Communities that were once under siege are beginning to breathe again,” the commissioner said.

‘Prisoner exchange is not new’
Muazu insisted that the concept of releasing detainees in exchange for peace is not unusual, citing historical and contemporary precedents.

“During the Nigerian civil war, prisoners were exchanged between both sides.

Even in the fight against Boko Haram, detainees were released after agreements were reached.

The Chibok girls, for example, were freed in exchanges that involved the release of some Boko Haram members,” he said.

According to him, the overriding objective is the restoration of peace and security, not vengeance.

“So long as peace is achieved, prisoner exchange remains a legitimate conflict-resolution mechanism.

It is not about whether an offence was committed; it is about stopping further bloodshed,” Muazu added.

He also maintained that neither the Ministry of Justice nor the courts violated any laws in processing the releases, stressing that anyone dissatisfied with the decision has the constitutional right to seek redress in court.

Global Mirror News will continue to monitor developments surrounding the controversial peace deal and its implications for security, justice, and governance in Katsina State.