@ Danjuma Katsina
Www.katsinatimes.com
People are expressing different opinions about reconciliation or dialogue with bandits—armed criminals who commit atrocities that even animals would not do.
Some believe the fight against them should continue until they are completely eliminated, without listening to them—only force should be used. Any other position, they reject entirely.
This strong stance was also the position of the Governor of Katsina, Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, before and after he assumed office; when he speaks, you can see his intensity and anger.
Those who hold this view do so sincerely and speak what they believe is the truth.
THE PROBLEM WITH THIS POSITION
Our security forces are committed to fighting these criminals, but they operate under rules and regulations of engagement. They follow orders, and the armed forces—with modern equipment and legal backing—are under the Federal Government. They also face manpower shortages and inadequate welfare support, making their work more difficult.
Governor Dikko Radda spoke strongly about security, but after taking office, he realized that a state government alone cannot solve even 60% of the terrorism problem.
He understood that even the police officer guarding him acts on orders. If given a different command, he would follow it. No governor has direct control over the police, DSS, or the military—only the law or special requests.
This led him to establish community security groups (within legal frameworks) and to support federal security agencies with resources. However, he cannot command them—only request their assistance—while also strengthening affected communities.
Those who insist on total war against bandits do so out of frustration and concern, but they may not fully understand the challenges involved.
Bandits are cowardly and scattered across forests, operating in remote villages where military vehicles cannot easily reach. Air operations require formal approvals before action can be taken.
As a result, nearby communities often have no choice but to negotiate with them.
Another issue is that these criminals possess dangerous weapons and abuse drugs heavily, making them irrational—sometimes worse than animals—while their victims lack both weapons and such substances.
Additionally, many of these bandits are largely uneducated and unpredictable.
These factors explain why some communities near forests choose to negotiate—and in some cases, even provide them with information.
SOLUTIONS FOR VILLAGES
If people could receive immediate help whenever they call for it, security forces could confront bandits deep in the forests and deny them safe haven.
If every attack was met with strong retaliation, it would deter future assaults, and communities would gain the confidence to defend themselves.
However, even this depends on support from security agencies. There are examples of towns like Batsari and Mantau (in Malumfashi) that tried to defend themselves but were overwhelmed by bandits.
SHOULD YOU NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS?
Globally, this is a recognized security strategy. Reformed militants are sometimes used to fight those who have not surrendered.
Former drug traffickers are used to combat ongoing trafficking networks.
Those who accept peace agreements are used to maintain stability.
All of this is done within structured systems and regulations.
The United States reached an agreement with the Taliban and handed over Afghanistan after 20 years of war, realizing they were the only force capable of stabilizing the country.
The current leader of Syria was once a rebel leader with extremist views, yet the world now engages with him.
Saudi Arabia has also used Yemeni fighters within its borders to combat threats to its rule.
There are many such examples globally.
Therefore, negotiating with terrorists—under strict conditions and frameworks—is not unusual in global politics and security strategy.
THE KATSINA PEACE INITIATIVE
It began in Jibiya Local Government Area and lasted a full year without major issues before expanding to other areas.
Following the initiative, there was a significant reduction in kidnappings, village raids, and roadside abductions.
However, bandits continued cattle rustling, looting, and intimidation in nearby villages—though with less killing and fewer kidnappings for ransom.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE NEXT
After showing some success, the peace initiative should have been strengthened by the Federal Government, state authorities, international organizations, and experts to improve and expand it nationwide.
If properly developed, it could have become a model. However, its progress is now inconsistent—working in some areas and failing in others.
HOW HISTORY MAY REMEMBER DIKKO RADDA
History will remember Dikko Radda as a governor who inherited Katsina in a state of severe insecurity. After taking office, he realized that his efforts alone were not enough without federal support.
He did what he could—supporting security agencies, establishing community forces, raising public awareness, and accepting community-based reconciliation.
At one point, Katsina experienced over a year with no killings, no mass displacement, and no ransom payments.
Katsina times
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