The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has issued a strong warning to communities in Katsina State that are signing peace deals with armed bandits.
He says the agreements could embolden criminals and make insecurity even worse.
The Emir wants Katsina officials and residents to add strict clauses to any truce with so-called repentant bandits. He insists the agreements must clearly block cross-border attacks, especially on communities in Kano.
Sanusi gave the warning during a sympathy visit to Faruruwa in Shanono, a border community hit by repeated kidnappings, killings, and cattle theft. Many of the attacks are believed to be carried out by bandits operating from Katsina communities that have signed local peace deals.
“For months, we have seen rising attacks in villages bordering Katsina,” he said. “Bandits come in, rustle cattle, kill innocent people, and kidnap men and women.”
He said peace deals without firm security guarantees only create safe corridors for criminals. According to him, bandits attack in one state and quickly retreat into areas where they are shielded by these agreements. He described the practice as dangerous and potentially reckless.
During the visit, Sanusi consoled families who recently lost five women to abductions, including nursing mothers. He praised the Kano State Government for trying to curb the influx of criminals into border areas.
The Emir urged residents to stay alert, strengthen vigilante groups, and work closely with security agencies already deployed to the region.
Katsina has seen multiple attempts at community-level peace agreements with bandits in recent years, as violence continues to displace thousands and cripple farming across the state.
