A trending video has ignited nationwide outrage after a Katsina State lawmaker, Abdurrahman Kandarawa, was seen publicly praising a notorious bandit leader while announcing the release of 37 kidnapped residents of Bakori Local Government Area.
Kandarawa, who represents the Bakori constituency in the Katsina State House of Assembly, was captured in the viral footage flanked by two figures: Isiya Kwashen Garwa — a feared bandit kingpin reportedly on the Defence Headquarters’ wanted list — and Abubakar Barde, Chairman of Bakori LGA.
In the video, the lawmaker repeatedly referred to Garwa as the “commander of peace”, acknowledging him and other bandit leaders for “keeping their promise” after a negotiated deal that led to the release of 17 women, 18 men and two children.
The lawmaker said the handover followed a prior agreement between community representatives and the bandits, adding that no kidnapped resident of Bakori remained in captivity as of November 28.
“We thank God and the leadership of the Fulani under Alhaji Adamu Alieru, the commander of peace, Isiya, and all the Fulani for keeping their promises,” Kandarawa said while addressing a crowd at Farin Dutse, Faskari LGA.
The footage also showed him urging the federal and state governments to stop the indiscriminate arrest of “peaceful bandits,” insisting that bandits should only be apprehended if they commit fresh crimes.
“If the Fulani do something wrong, he can be arrested and punished. But they should not be arresting them like they normally do, seeing them in markets or somewhere and arresting them,” he said.
He further appealed to government authorities to provide the bandit groups with amenities such as healthcare facilities and water supply.
The lawmaker disclosed that a local peace committee had been formed to sustain the ceasefire and ensure that neither kidnapping nor ransom payments occur again.
“We agreed no kidnapping, no paying ransom, and we have to keep praying and playing our parts for peace to reign,” he stated.
The video, which has been widely shared on social media, has sparked concerns over the increasing trend of political figures openly negotiating with — and in some cases praising — criminal networks responsible for mass killings, kidnappings and displacement across the North-West.
Critics say the development raises serious questions about the state’s capacity to ensure security, enforce the law and deter armed criminality.
Katsina, one of the states hardest hit by banditry, has witnessed recurring waves of attacks despite multiple peace deals initiated under successive administrations.
As reactions continue to trail the footage, security analysts have warned that public endorsement of bandit leaders may embolden criminal gangs and undermine ongoing counterterrorism operations.
The state government has yet to issue an official statement on the content of the video or the lawmaker’s comments.
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