By Hajara Abdullahi
The Katsina State Government has justified its plan to release 70 individuals facing trial for alleged banditry, saying the move aims to strengthen ongoing peace efforts with armed groups in the state.
Speaking in an interview with DCL Hausa on Saturday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, explained that the decision was made to sustain peace agreements between affected communities and repentant bandits.
The clarification followed public outrage over a leaked letter from the Katsina State Government seeking judicial support to facilitate the release of the suspects.
According to the commissioner, about 15 local government areas are involved in the peace initiative, which has so far led to the release of more than 1,000 abducted persons. He likened the gesture to prisoner exchanges commonly practiced during wartime.
“All over the world, after wars, prisoner exchanges usually take place. During Nigeria’s civil war, prisoners were exchanged, just as it happened in negotiations involving Boko Haram,” Muazu said.
He stressed that the action does not violate any law, noting that both the court and the Ministry of Justice are operating within legal boundaries. He also urged those aggrieved by the decision to seek redress through lawful means.
“The issue is not whether an offence was committed or not, but about ensuring peace. Prisoner exchange is not a new concept in the history of war and peace,” he added.
The letter, first reported by Sahara Reporters, was written and signed by the Katsina State Ministry of Justice and addressed to the Chief Judge of the state, urging the intervention of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate the release of the suspects.
The document, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, listed 48 suspects accused of banditry-related activities, whose names were forwarded to the Ministry of Justice by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
However, the Ministry clarified that the proposal was part of the conditions attached to the ongoing peace accord.
“It is one of the conditions precedent for the continuance of the peace deal signed between frontline local governments and the bandits,” the Ministry stated.
The commissioner further disclosed that the peace initiative has led to the rescue of several abductees across the state, including 310 from Sabuwa, 125 from Bakori, 60 from Danmusa, 62 from Dutsinma, and 36 from Safana.