A peace agreement has been reached between several communities in Katsina State and bandit leaders operating within the Funtua zone, in what officials hope will mark a turning point in efforts to end violence in the region.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who announced the development on X, the accord involved representatives from Bakori, Kafur, Malumfashi, Kankara, and Funtua Local Government Areas.
The meeting took place on 12 October 2025 at Kakumi Village in Bakori Local Government Area under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative — a programme aimed at promoting dialogue and rehabilitation among armed groups.
Makama said the gathering was organised to foster understanding between local communities and bandit groups that have long been at odds in the area. The peace dialogue brought together traditional rulers, elected officials, and representatives of the armed factions.
Those representing the communities included Alhaji Abdurrahman Kandarawa (Bakori), Abubakar Musa Barde (Kafur), Alhaji Bature Dan Kanjiba (Malumfashi), Alhaji Audu Goya (Funtua), and Alhaji Kasimu Dantsoho (Kankara).
Traditional leaders present were the District Head of Bakori, Alhaji Ado Bello; Tsiga Jarman Katsina; Galadiman Katsina, Alhaji Abdullahi Mahuta of Malumfashi; Danejen Katsina, Alhaji Abdulkadir of Kafur; and Sarkin Maskan Katsina of Funtua.
On the side of the bandits were Ado Aleru of Yankuzo in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara State; Isiya Kwashen Garwa of Guga Ward, Bakori; Babaro of Gidan Gamji, Kankara; and Alhaji Iliya Zango Dan Sabau, also from Kankara.
The meeting, which lasted more than three hours, ended peacefully with all sides agreeing to uphold the terms of the peace accord.
Resolutions reached included a cessation of hostilities, the restoration of law and order, and a renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence between the affected communities and the repentant bandit groups.
The accord is seen as a significant step in ongoing efforts to stabilise Katsina State, one of the regions most affected by years of insecurity and armed conflict in northwestern Nigeria.