The explanation followed public backlash over a leaked government letter seeking judicial approval to release the suspects. Muazu noted that similar peace deals had already secured the freedom of roughly 1,000 abducted persons across 15 local governments, including Sabuwa (310), Bakori (125), and Danmusa (60). He compared the process to wartime prisoner exchanges, citing precedents like Nigeria’s civil war and Boko Haram negotiations.
The letter, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, cited Section 371(2) of Katsina’s 2021 Criminal Justice Law, urging the Chief Judge to act under the peace deal’s terms. While some suspects face trial in federal courts, others await proceedings in magistrates’ courts.
Critics, however, condemned the move. Abdullahi Hassan Kofar Sauri of Network for Justice argued that releasing convicted bandits without compensating victims’ families undermines justice. Security expert Yahuza Getso warned that the plan risks further instability, citing reports of governors supplying motorcycles to bandits.
The decision coincides with renewed attacks in Katsina, including a recent raid in Malumfashi LGA that left eight dead. Despite peace deals in 18 LGAs—such as Faskari, Jibia, and Batsari—some areas continue to suffer violence, raising doubts about the agreements’ efficacy.
A leaked list of 70 suspects includes a woman, with names like Hadiza Dije Hauwa’u and Gambo Zubairu Faskari. Critics question how reintegrating these individuals aligns with community safety, given unresolved grievances.
