Notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ummaru, has warned that the killing of bandits by security operatives will only fuel further recruitment and escalate insecurity in Katsina State and beyond.
Ummaru made the remarks during a peace dialogue between armed groups, community elders, and security representatives in Matazu Local Government Area. His comments were captured in a video shared by counter-insurgency outlet Zagazola Makama.
“If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” Ummaru said, stressing that reliance on military force worsens the problem rather than solving it.
He accused government authorities of neglecting citizens while focusing on revenue generation. “Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone, all it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things won’t be happening,” he claimed.
The bandit leader also criticized residents for allegedly tipping off security forces. According to him, such actions undermine peace efforts while fueling distrust. “You people (residents of Matazu LGA) are also part of the problem because you are fond of complaining to security operatives and giving them information… If these security operatives won’t be told to leave us alone, then I don’t think these peace talks have any importance,” he said.
Addressing the divisional police officer of Danmusa LGA directly, Ummaru emphasized the need for reciprocity in the dialogue process. “If you want these peace talks to yield anything tangible, then every favour we seek should be considered and done for us. The same way we honour your requests, you must honour ours. Let us help one another and live in peace,” he stated.
The meeting was convened as part of ongoing efforts to encourage reconciliation and reduce violence in Katsina and neighbouring states, which have been plagued by years of armed attacks and abductions.
In a recent development, 28 abductees were freed in Faskari LGA following negotiations led by local authorities—a move stakeholders described as a sign of progress. They have urged both armed groups and security agencies to commit to genuine peace for the safety and stability of communities in the region.