CEJI Condemns Zamfara, Katsina Governors for Holding Peace Talks With Notorious Bandit Leader Ado Aleru
The Citizens for Equity and Justice Initiative (CEJI) has slammed the governors of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and Katsina State, Dikko Radda, for engaging in peace talks with Ado Aleru, a wanted bandit leader linked to mass killings, kidnappings, and displacement across Nigeria’s northwest region.
The peace meeting, which took place last Saturday in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina State, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, senior military officers, and top government representatives from both states.
Aleru, who has a ₦5 million bounty on his head, was seen addressing the gathering, calling for peace between Fulani herders and farming communities. The meeting has generated national outrage as Aleru remains a declared fugitive accused of crimes against humanity.
In a statement issued Friday, CEJI president Abdulmumin Sarki described the governors’ action as a “moral collapse of governance” and a dangerous betrayal of public trust.
“These are the same governors who once condemned peace deals with bandit leaders while campaigning. Now in power, they are normalizing criminals as part of governance, despite thousands of citizens suffering from the violence unleashed by these men,” Sarki stated.
CEJI emphasized that negotiating openly with armed and unrepentant terrorists weakens the rule of law, emboldens violent actors, and sends the wrong signal to victims of insecurity.
The group cited a 2023 Amnesty International report, which documented over 10,000 deaths and widespread displacement in the northwest due to banditry and communal violence.
Sarki called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate how a fugitive like Aleru could resurface and engage publicly with state officials.
“It is unacceptable that a man declared wanted since 2020 was able to move freely, meet with officials, and issue public statements without fear of arrest,” Sarki added.
CEJI urged the National Human Rights Commission and international bodies to review the meeting, warning that such negotiations without accountability undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international law.
“We strongly condemn the so-called peace meeting and urge security agencies to investigate this provocative gathering. The Nigerian state cannot claim to be fighting insecurity while its leaders are legitimizing known criminals,” the statement concluded.
