The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has clarified that bandits who voluntarily surrender during peace initiatives cannot be arrested, following public outrage over reports of armed bandit leaders attending peace meetings with government officials in Katsina State in September 2025.
The controversy erupted after several notorious bandit leaders, some reportedly heavily armed, were seen at the negotiations. Critics described the development as a betrayal of victims of banditry and an affront to justice.
Explaining the police stance, the IGP drew a distinction between surrender and arrest. He said while security operations against violent, non-compliant bandits would continue, those who embrace the peace process and willingly surrender their weapons would be treated differently.
He further emphasized that the ongoing crackdown on bandits would not be reduced, noting that the peace initiative forms part of a two-pronged strategy—intensifying military and police pressure on hostile groups while incentivizing peaceful surrender.
The government-backed negotiations reflect a controversial approach adopted by both federal and state authorities to curb insecurity in the North. Supporters argue that dialogue remains a necessary tool to de-escalate violence in hard-hit areas, while critics warn that such engagement risks legitimizing criminality and undermining justice for victims.
