The Katsina State Government has confirmed plans to release 70 detainees linked to terrorism and banditry, describing them as “repentant bandits” eligible for freedom under ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in parts of the state.
State officials said the proposed release is connected to security agreements reached between authorities, local communities, and armed groups that have reportedly renounced violence.
According to the government, the initiative is aimed at consolidating fragile peace in banditry-affected areas and encouraging the surrender of weapons.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, explained that the detainees were identified after a review process involving security agencies and the Ministry of Justice.
He said the individuals are believed to have shown commitment to disengaging from criminal activities and embracing reintegration programmes.
Moreover, documents made available to the judiciary indicate that the request for their release was formally transmitted through the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.
The list reportedly includes suspects facing trial in various courts, as well as others held over banditry-related allegations.
However, the development has triggered sharp reactions across the country.
Legal experts and civil society organisations have raised concerns that freeing suspects accused of grave offences could undermine justice for victims and weaken public confidence in the rule of law.
A rights advocate based in Katsina said the policy “raises serious moral and legal questions, especially for communities that have lost relatives and livelihoods to bandit attacks,” urging the government to prioritise transparency and victim compensation.
In response to the backlash, the state government defended the move, arguing that negotiated peace has led to reduced attacks in some local government areas and the release of abducted persons.
Officials also maintained that similar reconciliation approaches have been applied in other conflict situations, both within and outside Nigeria.
Nonetheless, security analysts warn that the success of the initiative will depend largely on effective monitoring, disarmament, and rehabilitation, stressing that any failure could risk a resurgence of violence.
As debate continues, the proposed release places Katsina at the centre of a broader national conversation on how Nigeria should balance justice, security, and reconciliation in tackling long-running insurgency and banditry challenges.