Efforts to broker peace with armed bandit groups in Faskari Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have suffered a severe setback following a deadly attack by a notorious bandit leader who imposed a multi-million naira levy on residents of Doma community.
The incident highlights the dangers of engaging in dialogue with criminal elements without prior disarmament and enforcement of security measures.
According to local sources, Isiya Kwashen Garwa—a bandit reportedly involved in ongoing negotiations with the Katsina State Government—led a violent raid on Doma, killing more than 20 residents. Soon after the attack, Garwa demanded a multi-million naira payment under threat of further violence, triggering widespread panic among the inhabitants.
Many residents have since fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby villages due to fears of reprisals if the levy remains unpaid. One local source explained, “People are leaving the town because they believe the bandits may return if the levy is not paid.” Already impoverished by repeated raids, destruction of property, and cattle rustling, many villagers said they cannot meet the exorbitant demands.
This attack has raised serious questions about the role of local government officials in the fragile peace process. A viral video circulating on social media showed the Faskari LGA Chairman and the local councillor publicly condemning army troops for responding to a bandit attack during ongoing peace negotiations.
Local government officials have reportedly attended bandits’ naming ceremonies, effectively bringing bandit leaders closer to villagers and blurring the line between dialogue and complicity.
Security analysts warn that negotiations without enforceable disarmament or credible security guarantees are temporary and fragile. Zagazola Makama, a noted security expert, had earlier cautioned that bandits involved in such talks could easily turn against communities at any time—a warning seemingly confirmed by the events in Doma.
At the federal level, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa reiterated that state governments negotiating with bandits “are on their own,” stressing that the Nigerian Armed Forces do not support such programs given that bandits frequently return to criminality after negotiations.
The imposition of illegal levies has become a common extortion tactic across North-West Nigeria. The Doma incident exemplifies the precarious position of communities caught between armed groups and ineffective local governance.
Security agencies continue operations targeting bandit enclaves in Katsina and neighbouring states. However, residents have called for enhanced protection to allow displaced families to return and resume normal economic activities.
This latest episode may mark a turning point in Katsina’s strategy toward banditry, underscoring that dialogue without enforcement, disarmament, and close coordination with national security forces may carry deadly consequences for vulnerable communities.
