—- As many Nigerians questioned why suspects accused of grave offences, including killings, rape and destruction of property, were being freed.
The Katsina State Government has defended the release of 70 suspected bandits from custody, saying the decision was part of a broader peace initiative and hostage-swap agreement designed to restore stability in conflict-affected communities.
The State Commissioner for Information, Salisu Bala, said the move followed appeals from traditional rulers and community leaders who were directly involved in negotiating a peace accord with repentant bandit groups operating in frontline local government areas.
An earlier official letter indicating that courts had been directed to approve the release of the detainees sparked widespread public criticism.
However, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, had previously clarified that the releases were tied to conditions agreed under the peace deal, including the exchange of captives held by the bandits.
Bala disclosed that, in line with the agreement, more than 1,000 hostages were released from several local government areas, including Safana, Kurfi, Faskari, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Malumfashi, Musawa, Matazu, Jibia, Bakori and Dutsinma.
He explained that following the release of the hostages, traditional rulers and community representatives formally approached the state government to facilitate the release of detained bandits to fulfil the communities’ obligations under the accord.
The government, he said, reviewed legal and judicial processes before approving the request.
According to Bala, the peace initiative has already yielded tangible improvements in security and economic activity across affected areas.
Farming has resumed, markets in Danmusa and Batsari have reopened, and displaced residents are returning to their communities to harvest crops.
He urged the public to support the peace process and avoid politicising the matter, noting that similar exchange arrangements are common in conflict resolution efforts.