In a pivotal development in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, a peace agreement has been reached between several communities in Katsina State and bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone.
The dialogue took place on October 12, 2025, at Kakumi Village in Bakori Local Government Area, under the auspices of the federal government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative.
Participating local government areas included Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua.
Community representatives present were:
• Alhaji Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori)
• Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur)
• Alhaji Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi)
• Alhaji Audu Goya (Funtua)
• Alhaji Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara)
Traditional rulers also took part, including the District Head of Bakori (Ado Bello), Galadiman Katsina (Malumfashi), Danejen Katsina (Kafur), and Sarkin Maskan Katsina (Funtua) among others.
On the bandit side, known leaders present included Ado Aleru (Yankuzo, Zamfara State), Isiya Kwashen Garwa (Guga Ward, Bakori), Babaro (Gidan Gamji, Kankara), and Iliya Zango Dan Sabau (Kankara).
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The meeting was held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., and ended peacefully with all parties pledging to abide by the terms.
According to sources, the resolutions of the peace accord include:
- Cessation of hostilities, all attacks, raids, and armed engagements are to be suspended in the designated LGAs.
- Restoration of law and order, normal security and governance mechanisms are expected to resume, supported by both local authorities and enforcement agencies.
- Commitment to peaceful coexistence, both community representatives and repentant bandit leaders vowed mutual respect, cooperation, and reconciliation.
Supporters of the agreement believe it could help revitalize agriculture, trade, and local livelihoods long stifled by insecurity.
However, observers caution that previous peace pacts in Katsina have seen mixed outcomes, citing lack of enforcement, failure by armed actors to disarm, and resumption of attacks in some cases.
Katsina State remains one of Nigeria’s most affected by banditry and violent raids in the northwest. Villages have been repeatedly attacked, farmers and herders abducted, and general insecurity has disrupted normal life.
One notable recent attack was on a mosque in Malumfashi LGA, where dozens of worshippers were killed.
The inclusion of Ado Aleru among the negotiating bandit leaders is especially significant. Aleru is a known bandit kingpin operating in Zamfara and Katsina, with a history of violent activities and abductions.
The peace accord reflects a dual strategy by Nigeria’s security architects: combining dialogue and negotiation with military operations. The Operation Safe Corridor initiative has been used to engage armed groups in the hope of voluntary demobilization and reintegration.
What Comes Next?
Monitoring & Verification: The success of the agreement hinges on robust monitoring to ensure all parties live up to their promises.
Security Guarantees: Communities will demand continued presence of security forces to deter breaches.
Disarmament & Reintegration: Former combatants would ideally surrender weapons and be integrated into peaceful civilian life or rehabilitation programs.
Community Confidence: Trust needs rebuilding after years of violence.
Escalation Risks: Should any group break the truce, the fragile peace could collapse rapidly.
If sustained, this peace pact could mark a turning point in Katsina’s security narrative. But its durability depends on political will, resources, and strict implementation.
