Katsina State Government has reiterated its position that it would not negotiate with bandits who have continued to loot, kill, and destroy properties in some council areas of the state.

The government, however, said that bandits who willingly come forward, lay down their arms, and promise not to return to a life of crime would be allowed to be reintegrated into society.

The state Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu, made this known in an interview with newsmen.

Muazu also warned that the government would not waste time coming after any repentant bandit who decides to renege after being reintegrated into society.

He said the government’s position has been clear for the past two years, adding that it “will not negotiate with bandits, but if the bandits feel the need to drop their arms and come forward, the government is ready to allow them to become like any other normal citizen of Katsina state.

“But let me also make it clear that in case they reneg on their promises, we are going to deal with them as we used to. That is the position of the government.”

The commissioner also stated that bandits had sent their representatives to communities in Jibia, Batsari, and, more recently, Danmusa council areas, indicating that they were willing to lay down their arms and be reintegrated into society.

He said the development had led to relative peace in the three council areas, adding that bandits who refused to lay down their arms in other council areas would continue to face the consequences for their actions.

“We have been having fights with the bandits for more than two years now, and Allah in His infinite mercy is allowing us to record success in our operations.

“And we are very lucky that bandits in Jibia and Batsari local government areas have come forward through their messengers and initiated discussions with the leadership of their communities.

“The discussions were robust, and we are having very peaceful activities in both Jibia and Batsari.

“Last week, the same bandits in Danmusa Local Government Area also sent a messenger to their communities in Danmusa, and the messenger went, and luckily, there was a discussion which yielded another form of peace deal with the local government authority as well as the leaders of all the communities,” he said.

Muazu, however, added that the government will continue to operate to tackle insecurity in council areas like Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume and Safana, where bandits have yet to come forward to lay down their arms.