Twenty-six abducted residents of the Tafoki community in Katsina State have regained their freedom following direct negotiations between the Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area, Hon. Surajo Aliyu Daudawa, and a group of armed bandits.
According to reports, Daudawa personally entered the forest to meet the kidnappers in an effort to secure the victims’ release. The discussions were reportedly coordinated by a well-known bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who played a key role in facilitating the release of the hostages on Sunday.
This action came despite repeated warnings from security agencies and government authorities advising against any form of negotiation with armed groups. It was gathered that the Fulani bandit faction involved had previously signed a peace deal with the local community.
Images from the meeting showed the Faskari chairman standing beside Garwa, who appeared heavily armed with rifles and ammunition visible on his person.
Faskari Local Government Area remains one of the regions in Katsina State most affected by recurring banditry, mass abductions, and deadly raids over the past few years.
Meanwhile, military authorities have continued to warn against such peace talks. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently reiterated that attempts to negotiate with bandits have historically failed and only strengthened the criminals.
Speaking during a Hausa-language interview, General Musa emphasized that those who try to broker peace with armed groups endanger themselves and their communities. He warned that the bandits often exploit such truces to regroup, expand their operations, and increase their attacks.
