Katsina Communities Negotiating with Bandits, Says Commissioner

The Katsina State Government has revealed that some communities in the state are engaging in self-help negotiations with bandits to ensure their safety and freedom.

Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango, disclosed this during a meeting with Niger State correspondents on Thursday. He noted that terrorism in the state has decreased by 70%.

Zango attributed the remaining terrorist activities to the state's border areas and forests. He explained that due to the agrarian nature of Katsina residents, some communities are negotiating with bandits to facilitate farming activities.

While emphasizing the state government's stance against negotiating with bandits, Zango stated that the government is willing to reintegrate and rehabilitate any bandit who surrenders.

"Initially, 25 out of 34 local governments were affected by insecurity, but now the terrorists have been pushed to the borders and forests," Zango said. "Communities are negotiating with bandits, but the state government maintains its no-negotiation stance."

Zango assured that any bandit who lays down their arms will be rehabilitated and supported by the state government.

"We will accept them into society, provide rehabilitation, education, and necessary assistance to make them full members of society," he said.