Katsina Community Holds Peace Talks With Wanted Bandit Leader Ado Alero, Armed Fulani Herders

Katsina State– The Katsina community in Faskari Local Government Area held a tense peace meeting on Sunday with wanted bandit kingpin Ado Alero and a group of armed Fulani herders.

The meeting, which brought together community members, Fulani herders, and some traditional leaders, was aimed at fostering dialogue in an area that has for years suffered from banditry, kidnappings, and deadly clashes between herders and farmers.

Many of the Fulani herders in attendance were visibly armed with rifles, ammunition belts, and other weapons, underscoring the fragile nature of the talks.

Representing the bandit groups was Ado Alero, a notorious figure long declared wanted by security agencies.

Despite his status, Alero has emerged as a central player in past negotiations and continues to wield influence over armed groups operating in the forests and rural settlements of Katsina.

Addressing the gathering, Alero explained that the peace meeting was prompted by grievances over the arrest of one of his men, an incident that he said strained relations with security forces.

According to him, efforts to secure the man’s release through official channels—including appeals to the Katsina State government and the leadership of Miyetti Allah—failed, further fueling mistrust.

“This is not the first time we are holding peace talks in Faskari,” Alero said. “Similar efforts have been made in other parts of Katsina. But what makes this meeting different is the number of people present. Since these dialogues began, we have never seen such a large gathering. This gives me hope that, Insha Allah, peace will return—not just to Faskari or Katsina, but to the entire country.”

Another notorious bandit leader at the meeting, identified as Kwashé Garwa, was seen carrying live ammunition strapped around his waist.

Speaking passionately, Garwa condemned the blanket labeling of Fulani herders as “bandits” and “terrorists,” arguing that criminality exists among all ethnic groups.

“In Nigeria, whenever there is a crime, they say it is Fulani herders. But tell me, which tribe in the world does not have criminals? You Hausas also have bandits among you, yet no one labels the entire Hausa tribe that way. Why are we always stereotyped?” he asked.

Garwa went further to accuse security forces of targeting Fulani communities, insisting that killings and kidnappings would not end unless justice was extended to all sides.

“They ppublicse only what we do but never talk about what is done to us. There will be no peace if this continues. Justice must be done at all levels, from the President down to local leaders,” he declared.

The meeting explained the desperation of local communities caught between government forces and armed groups.

Many residents in Faskari and neighboring local governments have endured years of attacks, displacements, and economic devastation. For them, dialogue with figures like Alero and Garwa—despite their controversial reputations—represents a last resort in the search for safety and stability.

However, security experts warn that negotiating openly with wanted criminals risks legitimizing their authority, potentially undermining state institutions and emboldening other armed groups.