Key points

• Bandit leader warns raids will spark more bloodshed in Katsina.

• Nine LGAs now under fragile peace pacts with fighters.

• Critics fear the deals may reward criminal groups.

A feared bandit leader has told community leaders and police that raids by security forces will only bring more bloodshed in Katsina State.

Kachalla Ummaru spoke during a peace meeting in Matazu Local Government Area.

Local officials, police and armed groups gathered to discuss ways to stop years of killings, kidnappings and cattle theft.

“If you kill 10 of us today, 20 more will emerge tomorrow,” Ummaru said in Hausa. “You kill 20, another 30 will rise in our bushes and villages.”

The video of his speech was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama. It showed Ummaru warning that the state cannot win by force.

Ummaru demands respect for peace talks

The bandit leader accused security agencies of using force to serve “hidden interests.” He told the Danmusa Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that peace talks would fail unless government respected the deals made with fighters.

“Let us help one another and live in peace,” he said. “If you want these talks to yield results, then every request we bring should be considered.”

He also blamed residents for giving intelligence to security forces. “You are part of the problem because you complain and pass information,” Ummaru said.

“The soldiers will come, kill no one, and later claim 10 bandits have been killed.”

Ummaru said if the state continues raids, bandits will fight back and the crisis will grow worse.

Nine LGAs now under fragile pacts

The Matazu meeting happened as Sabuwa and Dandume LGAs signed their own deals with bandit groups.

The Sabuwa session was held at Kabalawa Dungun-Muazu, a border village. Council chairmen Engr. Sagir Tanimu of Sabuwa and Bashir Sabi’u Gyazama of Dandume led the talks.

In both places, fighters promised to halt attacks and free captives. They demanded the release of detained members and an end to vigilante revenge when they enter markets or villages.

Officials promised to reopen the Dandume cattle market and guarantee safe passage during peace meetings.

With these new agreements, nine LGAs — Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, Musawa, Danmusa, Jibia, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume — have now signed peace pacts.

Critics say the talks may reduce violence in the short term but reward armed groups with recognition. Others warn that deals could collapse if either side breaks promises.

Communities seek lasting guarantees

At the Matazu gathering, Ummaru urged mutual respect. “If we come to you for something and you don’t do it for us, it would be shameful,” he said.

He also insisted that police should not arrest fighters who attend talks. Detained members, he said, must be freed to build trust.

Security sources said they are still patrolling rural areas while also engaging with communities. Police confirmed they are trying to balance raids with dialogue.

Residents, however, remain wary. Many want peace but fear that bandits may exploit the talks to regroup.

Human rights groups urged the government to go beyond negotiations and address root causes such as poverty, lack of schools and weak justice for victims.

For now, nine LGAs are under fragile pacts, and both sides are watching to see if words will hold stronger than weapons.