Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has appealed to bandits operating in forests across the state to lay down their arms and embrace peace, promising rehabilitation support, housing opportunities and economic assistance for those willing to abandon criminal activities.
The governor made the appeal on Friday during the inauguration of 152 housing units constructed for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia Local Government Area, one of the communities most affected by years of banditry and insecurity in the state.
Addressing residents at the event, Radda said his administration remains committed to restoring peace across Katsina and is prepared to offer a pathway to reintegration for repentant bandits. He stated that individuals who voluntarily surrender their weapons and renounce violence could benefit from government-supported rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping them rebuild their lives.
According to the governor, the state government is willing to provide housing, financial grants and vocational support to former bandits who genuinely embrace peace and commit to becoming productive members of society. He emphasized that the offer is part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of insecurity while encouraging reconciliation in affected communities.
Radda noted that military operations alone may not be sufficient to permanently end banditry and that a combination of security measures, dialogue and socio-economic interventions is necessary to achieve lasting peace. He urged those still engaged in criminal activities to take advantage of the opportunity and return to lawful livelihoods.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting victims of insecurity, highlighting the completion of the 152 housing units for displaced families in Jibia. He said the project was designed to provide safe accommodation and help affected residents rebuild their lives after being forced to flee their communities due to attacks.
Katsina State, like several states in Nigeria’s north-west region, has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including bandit attacks, kidnappings and cattle rustling. Thousands of residents have been displaced, while many communities have suffered significant economic and social disruptions.
While reintegration initiatives for repentant bandits have been adopted in parts of northern Nigeria with varying degrees of success, such programmes have often generated public debate. Supporters argue that they can help reduce violence and encourage defections from criminal groups, while critics contend that they risk rewarding criminal behaviour and may be unfair to victims.
Radda maintained that his administration would continue to pursue both security operations and peace-building efforts, stressing that the ultimate goal is to restore stability, protect communities and create conditions for sustainable development across the state.
The inauguration of the housing estate forms part of ongoing efforts by the Katsina State Government to provide relief and long term support to people displaced by insecurity while advancing broader recovery and reconstruction initiatives in affected areas.
