The Katsina State Government has explained that the planned release of 70 individuals accused of banditry is a deliberate move to support ongoing peace efforts in affected communities.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, stated that the initiative is part of a broader effort to reinforce agreements reached between local communities and armed groups that have pledged to abandon criminal activities.
Speaking to DCL Hausa on Saturday, Muazu said the arrangement covers at least 15 local government areas and has already contributed to the release of around 1,000 people who had been abducted by bandits.
“The release of these individuals is comparable to a prisoner exchange in conflict situations. It’s about building trust and ensuring stability. The goal is not to excuse crimes, but to create conditions for lasting peace”, the commissioner said.
The clarification follows the circulation of a government letter dated January 2 and marked “SECRET,” which requested judicial support to facilitate the release of suspects currently facing trial. The letter, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, highlighted that 48 suspects were referred to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, with some awaiting trial in magistrates’ courts and others arraigned before the Federal High Court. A separate list of 22 high court inmates was also submitted for consideration.
Muazu emphasized that the peace initiative has already delivered tangible results, particularly in freeing kidnapped residents across multiple communities. He cited examples from Nigeria’s civil war and negotiations with Boko Haram to illustrate that releasing detainees during peace talks is a recognized strategy in conflict resolution.
He also reassured the public that all actions by the Ministry of Justice and the courts are fully within the law, and that anyone seeking clarification or wishing to raise concerns can do so through legal channels.
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