Katsina communities, bandit kingpins sign peace deal to end years of violence

 A peace agreement has been reached between communities in Katsina State and bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone.

The development was contained in a post shared on X on Monday by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said the peace accord involved representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua Local Government Areas of the state.

According to Makama, the meeting took place on October 12, 2025, at Kakumi Village in Bakori LGA under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative. 

Makama stated that the meeting was convened to promote dialogue and understanding between affected communities and the bandits.

The peace dialogue brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, elected local government chairmen, and representatives of the bandit groups.

Those representing the communities included Alhaji Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Alhaji Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Alhaji Audu Goya (Funtua), and Alhaji Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara).

Traditional leaders in attendance were Alhaji Ado Bello (District Head of Bakori), Tsiga Jarman Katsina, Galadiman Katsina Alhaji Abdullahi Mahuta (Malumfashi), Danejen Katsina Alhaji Abdulkadir (Kafur), and Sarkin Maskan Katsina (Funtua).

Representing the bandits were Ado Aleru of Yankuzo in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State, Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward, Bakori LGA, Babaro of Gidan Gamji, Kankara LGA, and Alhaji Iliya Zango Dan Sabau, also from Kankara LGA.

Makama said the meeting, which lasted from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., ended peacefully with all sides pledging to respect the terms of the peace accord.

Resolutions reached at the meeting included a cessation of hostilities, the restoration of law and order, and the renewal of mutual respect between communities and the repentant bandit groups.