Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has vehemently condemned and rejected a controversial plan by the Katsina State Government under Governor Dikko Radda to release 70 suspected bandits currently in custody, describing the proposal as dangerous, unjust and a grave betrayal of victims of banditry across frontline local government areas. The opposition party’s stance was articulated during a press briefing in Katsina, where ADC officials addressed journalists and expressed deep concern over what they say would be a serious setback in the fight against insecurity.
Addressing the press, ADC’s spokesperson, Lawal Tukur‑Batagarawa, warned that freeing the suspects would severely undermine public confidence in government efforts to combat violence and criminality. He emphasised that such a decision risks “demoralising security personnel, dishonouring officers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, and emboldening criminal elements terrorising rural communities,” sentiments echoed strongly by the party’s leadership.
The planned release was revealed in a leaked letter from the Katsina State Ministry of Justice dated January 2, 2026, which reportedly sought the involvement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the suspects’ freedom. The letter, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur‑Rahman Umar, suggested that the legal process was initiated as part of broader peace‑building efforts. However, ADC officials and other critics argue that the move would instead weaken justice and embolden banditry.
In response to the leaked letter, the Katsina State government has defended its decision, asserting that it is part of efforts to sustain peace deals with various armed groups operating within the state. The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Nasir Muazu, reportedly explained that the release is aimed at consolidating peace agreements reached between frontline communities and so‑called “repentant bandits,” a strategy the government insists is intended to secure the release of abducted persons and stabilise affected areas.
But ADC’s Lawal Tukur‑Batagarawa rejected this justification, arguing that releasing individuals suspected of banditry who are still facing trial runs contrary to justice and fails to recognise the suffering of communities that have endured violence. He described the proposal as “totally unacceptable and irresponsible for any government to free criminals while communities continue to bleed,” urging authorities to prioritise security and accountability instead of concessions that could encourage further criminality.
The opposition party also used the occasion to launch its state leadership structure, with Ahmed Aliyu‑Yar’Adua inaugurated as the new ADC chairman in Katsina, alongside other appointments aimed at strengthening the party’s presence and mobilising support for public security reforms.
The plan to release the 70 suspected bandits has already sparked widespread outrage beyond ADC, drawing criticism from various socio‑political groups, community leaders and security experts. Many argue that freeing those accused of violent crimes — particularly in a state grappling with persistent bandit attacks, kidnappings, and killings — could send the wrong message about accountability and embolden criminal networks.
Public anxiety has been heightened by the government’s initial lack of transparent communication on the matter, with some officials declining to confirm whether the suspects have actually been freed or remain in custody. This uncertainty has further fuelled debates about the legality and wisdom of the proposed release, with critics insisting any peace agreement must be anchored in disarmament, justice and restitution for victims.
Security analysts have also weighed in, warning that negotiations with armed groups that involve releasing suspects without clear safeguards or legal consequences could undermine deterrence and weaken rule‑of‑law institutions. They maintain that while peace‑building efforts are important, they must not come at the expense of justice for victims or establish a precedent in which violence becomes a bargaining tool.
In the face of increasing insecurity across Nigeria’s North‑West region, the ADC’s strong rejection of the Katsina government’s plan reflects broader public concerns about state responses to banditry. Many communities have endured years of attacks that have resulted in loss of life, abductions, displacement and disruption of livelihoods, and critics argue that authorities must adopt strategies that reinforce law enforcement and community protection rather than concessions perceived to weaken them.
The debate over the proposed release continues to draw national attention, with stakeholders calling on both state and federal authorities to ensure that security policies uphold justice, protect citizens, and foster genuine peace — not compromise it. For now, ADC’s condemnation stands as part of a growing chorus urging a re‑evaluation of the approach and greater emphasis on safeguarding communities against the scourge of banditry.
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