The Katsina state government is defending its controversial plan to release 70 suspected bandits from custody, a move it describes as essential for sustaining community-driven peace deals.
The plan became public after a secret government letter from January 2 was leaked, sparking outrage from critics who argue that releasing suspects accused of serious crimes undermines the rule of law and denies justice to victims.
However, Commissioner for Internal Security Nasir Muazu insists the initiative is a confidence-building measure similar to post-conflict prisoner exchanges and has already led to the release of nearly 1,000 kidnap victims across more than a dozen local government areas.
While the government hails the return of peace to these areas, some reports suggest these deals are fragile, with bandits simply moving their attacks to communities not covered by the agreements.
