Katsina Governor Calls Bandits ‘Brothers & Sisters,’ Offers Them Reintegration

TDKatsina State Governor Radda Calls Bandits ‘Brothers and Sisters,’ Offers Them Reintegration

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has renewed calls for peace in the state, describing bandits and terrorists operating in the region as his “brothers and sisters” and urging them to abandon violence and embrace dialogue, repentance, and reintegration into society.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday during the inauguration of a housing estate for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area. The housing project was developed through a partnership between the Katsina State Government and the United Nations Development Programme.

Addressing residents and stakeholders at the event, Radda extended what he described as an open invitation to armed groups operating in forests across the state to surrender and return to their communities.

“To our brothers and sisters in the forests, to those who have taken the path of banditry, kidnapping and violence, hear me clearly today: the doors for dialogue, repentance and reintegration remain open,” the governor said.

He urged the armed groups to choose peace over violence, adding that the state government remains willing to accept and rehabilitate those who genuinely renounce criminal activities.

“Lay down your arms and return to your families and communities. Choose your children over your weapons. Choose prosperity over destruction. Choose life. The government of Katsina State stands ready to receive all sons and daughters who choose the path of peace,” he stated.

The remarks have drawn attention because they come amid years of persistent attacks by bandits and terrorist groups in Katsina and other parts of northwestern Nigeria. The state has experienced recurring incidents of kidnappings, cattle rustling, village raids, and killings despite several security operations and previous attempts at dialogue.

Observers note that past efforts by governments in the region to negotiate with armed groups have produced mixed results. In 2022, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari publicly expressed regret over trusting bandits who had pledged to abandon criminal activities.

Masari revealed at the time that some bandits had sworn on the Qur’an in his office that they would renounce violence, only for several of them to return to criminal activities. According to the former governor, some individuals who participated in the reconciliation process later emerged as leaders of armed gangs terrorising communities.

Radda’s latest appeal also comes against the backdrop of ongoing federal and state deradicalisation and reintegration initiatives across northern Nigeria. On Friday, the Borno State Government announced the reintegration of 720 repentant Boko Haram members, alongside 992 wives and 2,050 children, into society as part of efforts to promote long-term peace and stability in the insurgency-affected region.

While supporters of reintegration programmes argue that they can help reduce violence and encourage defections from criminal and extremist groups, critics maintain that previous initiatives have not always yielded lasting results and have raised concerns among victims and affected communities seeking justice.

As insecurity continues to challenge several northern states, Governor Radda’s comments are likely to reignite debate over whether dialogue and reintegration, alongside military operations, remain viable tools for addressing banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.