The Katsina State Government has defended its move to begin processes for the release of 70 individuals accused of banditry, explaining that the action is aimed at preserving an ongoing peace initiative with armed groups operating in the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was part of broader efforts to strengthen peace agreements reached between affected communities and bandits who have agreed to lay down their arms in several local government areas.
Muazu made the clarification during an interview amid public criticism that followed the circulation of a confidential government letter seeking judicial support for the release of the suspects.
According to the commissioner, the peace arrangement covers at least 15 local government areas and has already resulted in the freedom of about 1,000 people who were previously abducted during bandit attacks. He compared the planned release of the suspects to prisoner swaps commonly carried out during and after armed conflicts.
A letter dated January 2, 2026, marked “Secret,” recently appeared on social media, revealing that the state government had begun steps to secure the release of individuals facing trial over banditry-related offences. The document, first reported by *Vanguard*, was issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the state’s Chief Judge.
The letter, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, stated that the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had submitted a list of 48 suspects accused of various banditry crimes. It explained that their proposed release was a key condition for sustaining the peace agreement between frontline local governments and armed groups.
The document further noted that while some of the suspects had already been charged before the Federal High Court, others were being held in custody pending trial at different magistrate courts across the state.
In addition, the ministry disclosed that a separate list containing about 22 inmates facing trial at various high courts in Katsina State had also been forwarded for consideration under the same peace arrangement.
The Ministry of Justice urged the Chief Judge to take appropriate steps, citing provisions of Section 371(2) of the Katsina State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2021, which empowers the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee to act in such matters.
The development triggered strong public reactions, with many Nigerians expressing fears that releasing suspects accused of grave offences could weaken the justice system and deprive victims of accountability.
Responding to the criticism, Muazu insisted that the peace initiative had already produced measurable outcomes, pointing to the release of abducted victims in areas such as Sabuwa, Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Danmusa, Bakori and Dutsinma.
He maintained that similar approaches have been adopted globally, noting that prisoner exchanges often follow armed conflicts. He cited examples from Nigeria’s civil war and negotiations involving Boko Haram insurgents.
Muazu further stressed that the actions taken by the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary were in line with existing laws, adding that individuals who oppose the process have the option of challenging it through the courts.
