The Katsina State Government has defended its decision to initiate the release of 70 persons suspected to be involved in banditry-related offences, describing the move as part of efforts to sustain an ongoing peace agreement with repentant bandits across the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, disclosed this during an interview with DCL Hausa, saying the action was aimed at consolidating peace in communities affected by insecurity.
According to Muazu, the peace accord entered into by at least 15 local government areas has already yielded significant results, including the release of about 1,000 abducted persons by repentant bandits.
He likened the release of the suspects to prisoner exchanges commonly witnessed during and after armed conflicts, noting that such arrangements are not new in peace-building processes.
The explanation follows public outrage triggered by a leaked official letter dated January 2, 2026, which indicated that the state government had taken steps to secure the release of the suspects from custody.
The letter, classified as “Secret” and issued by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice, was addressed to the Chief Judge of the state.
It requested the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the detained suspects.
Signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, Esq, the letter revealed that a list of 48 suspects facing various banditry-related charges had been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
The ministry explained that the proposed release was a condition precedent for the continuation of the peace agreement reached between frontline local governments and bandit groups.
It further disclosed that while some of the suspects had already been arraigned before the Federal High Court, the majority were still awaiting trial at various Magistrate Courts across the state.
In addition, a separate list of 22 inmates standing trial before different High Courts was reportedly submitted for possible release under the same peace arrangement.
The Ministry of Justice urged the Chief Judge to take necessary action, stating that the request fell within the statutory powers of the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee under Section 371(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Katsina State, 2021.
However, the move has generated widespread criticism, with many Nigerians warning that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes such as banditry could undermine the rule of law, deny victims justice, and embolden criminal groups.
Responding to the concerns, Muazu said the peace deal had already led to the release of abductees across several local government areas, including Safana, Kurfi, Sabuwa, Faskari, Danmusa, Malumfashi, Musawa, Matazu, Dutsinma, Jibia, and Bakori.
He insisted that prisoner exchange remains a recognised global practice, citing Nigeria’s civil war and past negotiations involving Boko Haram as examples where detained fighters were released as part of peace agreements.
Muazu maintained that the actions of the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary did not violate any existing laws, adding that anyone dissatisfied with the process was free to seek redress through the courts.
