A recent peace meeting in Katsina State has drawn attention after armed groups accused the Nigerian government of contributing to the rise of terrorism in the region.
The talks, held in Charanchi and Batagarawa Local Government Areas, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives of armed groups seeking a ceasefire. During the dialogue, one of the bandit leaders claimed the government had “pushed” them into violence and was now calling for an end to the crisis.
“It was the government that wanted us to engage in banditry, but now it has called us and told us to stop,” the man reportedly said. “If the government wants all this insecurity to end, they have the power to end it, but they don’t want it to end.”
The claim has sparked renewed debate over the government’s approach to insecurity in the North-West. Although several Katsina communities have pursued informal peace arrangements, state officials deny holding direct negotiations with bandits. Authorities maintain that only those who voluntarily surrender will be considered for rehabilitation.
Security analysts warn that such peace efforts often lack accountability and may embolden criminal groups. The Defence Headquarters has previously cautioned against peace deals with bandits, noting that similar agreements in the past were exploited by armed actors to regroup and continue attacks.
Observers argue that the persistence of violence in the region underscores deeper socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and limited state presence. They say any sustainable solution must address these root causes rather than rely solely on temporary truces.
The federal government has not issued an official response to the bandits’ latest allegations. Human rights advocates are calling for transparency in the Katsina peace process and an independent review of the claims made during the talks.
