November 21, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Twenty Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Katsina State have entered into a truce with bandit groups as part of ongoing efforts to curb escalating insecurity across the state.
The agreement was reached during a meeting involving council chairmen, traditional rulers and representatives of the armed groups. According to reports, the bandits arrived at the meeting on motorcycles, fired gunshots into the air, and later engaged community leaders before departing.
As part of the discussions, the bandits reportedly demanded the release of their detained members and pledged to free all captives in their custody if their requests were met. Local officials said the demands would be forwarded to the appropriate security agencies and correctional authorities for consideration.
Despite the truce, residents in some areas have continued to report fresh attacks, raising concerns about the effectiveness and durability of the peace deal. Community members have called for continuous dialogue and regular review meetings to strengthen the agreement.
The initiative forms part of wider reconciliation efforts aimed at restoring stability in Katsina State, which has been one of the regions most affected by banditry in recent years.
