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Fresh political tension has emerged in Katsina as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) openly faulted a reported plan by the state government to release dozens of suspected bandits currently in detention, warning that the move could reverse fragile security gains.
Speaking during a media briefing in Katsina on Tuesday, the party’s spokesperson, Lawal Tukur-Batagarawa, described the alleged decision as reckless and insensitive to communities that have endured years of violent attacks across frontline local government areas.
According to documents circulating within legal and security circles, the Katsina State Ministry of Justice had, earlier this month, initiated steps aimed at securing the release of about 70 suspects arrested in connection with banditry-related offences.
The correspondence, dated January 2, 2026, was reportedly directed to a criminal justice oversight body to facilitate the process.
However, state officials have defended the initiative, insisting it forms part of a broader peace-building framework.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the government was pursuing dialogue-based solutions to stabilise rural communities affected by armed violence.
Moreover, the ADC dismissed the explanation, arguing that such actions weaken deterrence and undermine morale within the security services.
Tukur-Batagarawa said releasing suspects without transparent accountability sends “a damaging signal that crime can be negotiated away.”
“Communities that have buried their loved ones deserve justice, not political experiments,” he said, adding that any policy perceived as rewarding violence risks emboldening criminal networks operating in the state.
Furthermore, the party cautioned that confidence in government-led security efforts could erode if victims believe their suffering is being overlooked for short-term peace deals.
In a related development, the ADC announced the formal inauguration of its Katsina State leadership, with Ahmed Aliyu-Yar’Adua named as chairman.
In addition, a membership mobilisation and revalidation committee, chaired by Mustapha Inuwa, has been constituted as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
Hence, as debate intensifies over the balance between peace negotiations and justice, the proposed release has become a fresh flashpoint in Katsina’s ongoing struggle with insecurity.