When Bandits Speak From The Podium: Why this must alarm us all, by Hassan Ahmad
What we are seeing in parts of Katsina — armed bandit leaders appearing publicly, releasing hostages, and even addressing journalists while security agents stand nearby — is not just shocking theatre. It is a dangerous political and security message that carries serious implications for the rule of law, public trust, and long-term peace.
Local reports and footage show bandit leaders meeting communities, handing over captives, and giving statements in settings where security actors are present or nearby. These events have been reported by local outlets and media coverage of recent peace meetings and hostage releases in Katsina.
Why this is dangerous
1. It legitimises criminals. When an armed criminal stands at a podium and speaks like a political actor, it sends the message that violence (and ransom) is an effective way to achieve recognition and concessions. That undermines the authority of the state and encourages copycats.
2. It weakens the public’s faith in security institutions. Citizens expect security forces to protect them, arrest offenders, and uphold the law. Images of bandits freely speaking while nearby security personnel look on create the impression of impotence or tacit collusion. This damages morale and trust.
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3. It risks impunity and future violence: Public pardon or negotiation without accountability can allow those who planned killings, kidnappings and arson to walk away and rearm. Short-term calm may harden into long-term criminal governance if not properly managed.
What may explain why authorities have tolerated or participated
We cannot ignore practical realities: Communities are exhausted; kidnappings and massacres create pressure to recover hostages quickly; local leaders sometimes prefer negotiated returns to prolonged attacks; and intelligence limits may make offensive options risky. Some local mediations aim to stop immediate bloodshed. But emergency expediency must not become permanent policy.
A responsible — and firm — roadmap (practical recommendations)
1. Immediate red lines
No public stage for confessed or wanted criminals. Any meeting must be in controlled, secure, documented settings with clear mandates and no media glamorisation.
Where hostages are being freed, such transfers must be coordinated by formal authorities, documented, and followed by arrests when credible evidence exists.
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2. Transparent, conditional negotiations
If talks are used as a short-term tactic to free hostages, they must be time-limited, recorded, and include independent community representatives and federal oversight. Any truce must include clauses for disarmament, surrender, or rehabilitation. Secret deals that give freedom without accountability will fail.
3. Strengthen law enforcement — not replace it
Use combined, intelligence-led operations to target leadership networks (finance, arms suppliers, informants) while protecting civilians. Military and police operations must be accompanied by clear legal procedures leading to prosecution — not summary acceptance.
4. Public communication and media rules
The state and the Nigeria Union of Journalists should agree on responsible reporting: avoid broadcasting bandit propaganda, verify claims, and refuse to create a spectacle that raises the leader’s profile. The media can play a constructive role by highlighting victims, not glorifying criminals.
5. Sanctions for collusion
Any evidence of security officials protecting or colluding with bandits must be investigated and punished to restore legitimacy. Impunity inside security forces is as corrosive as impunity among criminals.
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6. Address root causes
Parallel to security action, invest in local livelihoods, water and grazing management, youth employment, and community policing. Banditry thrives where state presence and opportunity are absent.
7. A justice-centred reintegration option
For low-level fighters who surrender, offer conditional reintegration programmes (work, education, monitoring) linked to truth-telling and reparations — not blanket amnesty for leaders who ordered massacres.
Closing: firmness with wisdom
Katsina’s people need safety and dignity — not the spectacle of criminals posing as negotiators. The state must show it can protect, prosecute and reform. Short-term deals that create a podium for bandits will only trade today’s hostage for tomorrow’s rule by gun. A strategy that pairs stern law enforcement, transparent mediation rules, community involvement, and long-term development is the only way to break the cycle.
If the government truly wants peace, it must stop treating crime like politics. Peace bought at the price of legitimising terror is a dangerous illusion.
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