Kachalla Ummaru, described by authorities as a “notorious bandit kingpin”, has cautioned that using purely forceful tactics against banditry could worsen insecurity in northern Nigeria.
Ummaru spoke on Saturday at peace talks between bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area (LGA), Katsina State.
A counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, circulated a video of him in which he warned that killing bandits only provokes more violence.
“If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20 … you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” he said.
He sharply criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, alleging neglect and emphasising that its priorities lie in revenue-generation.
“Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone, all it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things wouldn’t be happening,” he said.
Ummaru called for more inclusive mechanisms in responses to alleged abductions or arrests, saying “If our boys mistakenly abduct anyone or if security operatives apprehend one of ours, stakeholders should be involved and see that the person taken is released.”
He also questioned the purpose of the talks if no genuine peace would emerge.
He said, “Let’s tell ourselves the truth. If we know these talks won’t promote any peace between us, then it would be best if things remain the way they are.”
Addressing the residents of Matazu LGA, he blamed them partly for the continuing conflict: “You people … are also part of the problem because you are fond of complaining to security operatives and giving them information, and even when they come to where we are, they don’t kill even a bird, but you’ll hear in the news that 10 bandits have been killed …”
To the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danmusa LGA, he stressed that the peace process will only be meaningful if commitments on both sides are honoured.
“To you … if you want these peace talks to yield anything tangible, then every favour we seek should be considered and done for us and from your end … Anything you request from us (bandits) we see to it that it is done,” he said.
The dialogue is part of renewed peace and reconciliation efforts in Katsina and neighbouring states.
According to Dr Nasir Mu’azu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, there is a 70 per cent drop in incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling in Katsina State.
He attributes this progress to community policing plus offensive strikes on bandit hideouts.
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