The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State, Hon. Surajo Aliyu Daudawa, on Sunday, personally ventured into a forest to negotiate directly with armed bandits and secured the release of 26 kidnapped victims.
The victims, reportedly abducted from Tafoki and neighbouring communities, were freed following face-to-face talks between Daudawa and a notorious bandit leader identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa.
Despite warnings from security authorities against holding peace talks with criminal groups, Daudawa met the armed men—who are said to have a history of violent attacks across the state—under what sources described as a tense but peaceful atmosphere.
Images from the scene showed the local council chairman standing beside Garwa, who was visibly armed, with ammunition strapped across his body.
Faskari, one of the hardest-hit areas in Katsina by banditry, has endured relentless kidnappings, killings, and raids in recent years, forcing many residents to flee their homes.
It was learnt that the released victims were handed over to the chairman after Garwa’s intervention, as part of what appeared to be a renewed effort by some local leaders to restore peace through dialogue.
However, the move has drawn criticism from security experts and top defence officials. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has repeatedly warned against such peace deals, describing them as dangerous and counterproductive.
According to Musa, who spoke recently in a Hausa-language interview, negotiating with bandits often allows them to regroup, acquire more weapons, and strengthen their networks—posing greater risks to communities in the long run.
“Any attempt to make peace with these groups only endangers the people. It gives them time to reorganise and launch fresh attacks,” Musa had said.
While the successful release of the abductees has been hailed by locals as a relief, concerns remain about the broader implications of civilian-led negotiations with criminal gangs that continue to defy state and federal security operations in the North-West.
Security analysts say the Faskari development underscores the growing desperation of local communities to find solutions in the face of worsening insecurity, amid limited state protection.
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