A suspected bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu, has accused residents and authorities in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State of betraying him, amid renewed tensions following a previous peace agreement.
Muhammadu, who was formerly linked to attacks in parts of Matazu and neighbouring Danmusa LGA, claimed that he had honoured a peace deal reached on September 20, 2025, which he said led to a reduction in violence in the area.
In a statement, he demanded the release of his detained son and compensation for livestock allegedly killed during recent military operations. He also denied responsibility for ongoing attacks, insisting that other armed groups were behind the violence but shifting blame onto him.
“They are tarnishing my image and trying to convince the government that I am responsible for all the attacks, even those extending into Kano State,” he said.
Muhammadu maintained that Matazu is his hometown and that he has no interest in destabilising the area. He argued that his commitment to peace was genuine, adding that he had previously taken action against members of his own group who committed crimes.
He cited instances where he claimed to have returned stolen livestock and intervened to secure the release of detained individuals, sometimes at personal cost. He also rejected financial negotiations in peace talks, insisting that lasting peace cannot be achieved through monetary incentives.
The bandit leader further alleged that parallel negotiations were being conducted with other armed groups without his knowledge, describing the process as unfair and deceptive.
Tensions reportedly escalated after he withdrew from the peace process, accusing stakeholders of breaching trust. He alleged that security forces subsequently targeted his group, including aerial bombardments that killed livestock, prompting him and his followers to rearm.
Muhammadu also warned that he no longer trusts reconciliation efforts, claiming that some groups were deliberately trying to undermine him by linking him to crimes beyond his area of influence.
The claims could not be independently verified, and authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda
Meanwhile, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, chaired an emergency Security Council meeting at the Government House in Katsina two days ago.
The session brought together heads of security agencies in the state, chairmen of affected local government areas, and representatives of the Nigerian Army, Defence Headquarters, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Also in attendance were officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC).
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, as well as prominent traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other top government officials, were also present at the meeting, which focused on addressing the deteriorating security situation in parts of the state.
The development underscores growing concerns over the fragile security landscape in Katsina, where authorities continue to grapple with banditry and efforts to sustain peace agreements.
