Wanted bandit leader Ado Aleru resurfaces at Katsina peace meeting

In Katsina State, Nigeria, Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader, made a surprising public appearance. He has been on the police watchlist since 2020, with a substantial bounty of N5 million on his head. This event occurred during a peace meeting held in the Bichi community, located in the Danmusa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State. The meeting, which took place on Saturday, attracted various attendees, including community members, government officials, security personnel, and traditional leaders.

During the meeting, Aleru addressed the crowd and advocated for peaceful coexistence. His activities have been linked to significant violence in the region, prompting his call for collaboration between Fulani herders and farming communities. Reports from ‘Zagazola Makama’, a counterinsurgency publication, indicate that Aleru proposed several measures aimed at fostering peace and ending the ongoing bloodshed in the area.

Furthermore, the meeting featured personnel from the Nigerian Army, representatives of Danmusa LGA, and various religious and traditional leaders. Their presence underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing the security challenges facing the region.

However, the event has sparked widespread criticism both within Katsina State and on social media platforms.

Criticism Over the Peace Meeting

A senior government official, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, expressed strong disapproval of the peace deal, describing it as a betrayal of justice. The source questioned why Aleru, who had been declared wanted by the police under former Commissioner of Police Sanusi Buba and had a bounty placed on his capture, was not arrested during his public appearance.

“Ado Aleru has made himself available now; they should go and arrest him to face the wrath of the law. Negotiating with him is not only insincere but also undermines justice,” the source said.

Government Defends Involvement

Despite the backlash, Nasir Mua’zu, Katsina State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, defended the government’s participation in the meeting. Speaking to BBC Hausa, Mua’zu revealed that Aleru and seven other bandit leaders had voluntarily surrendered and renounced terrorism. He also disclosed that as a gesture of goodwill, the group released 17 hostages and promised to release others still in captivity.

“We spent two years fighting these criminals, and the governor has made it clear that he will not negotiate with them,” Mua’zu said. “But anyone who genuinely denounces banditry will be accepted and reintegrated into society.”

Mua’zu further argued that both Islamic principles and international conventions support reconciliation efforts when individuals genuinely seek peace. “Islamically, it is wrong for the government to continue fighting them since they accepted peace. And going by the Geneva Convention, it is also wrong to extend the fight after they came for dialogue,” he added.

Public Outcry

The decision to engage with Aleru has drawn significant public condemnation. Many residents and stakeholders view the move as a dangerous precedent that could embolden other criminal elements in the region.

Critics contend that permitting a wanted criminal to engage in discussions undermines law enforcement and creates a negative precedent. This situation raises significant concerns about the integrity of the justice system and its effectiveness.

Amid ongoing security issues in Katsina State and northern Nigeria, banditry and violence have caused severe disruptions. These conflicts between herders and farmers have resulted in loss of life and displacement of entire communities.

As the debate unfolds regarding the inclusion of known criminals in peace talks, critical questions arise. Specifically, how do these actions align with broader efforts aimed at restoring law and order in the region?

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