The Katsina State Government has announced its willingness to rehabilitate and reintegrate terrorists who are ready to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
Commissioner for Information, Bala Zango, made this known in Minna, Niger State, during the quarterly meeting of APC State Commissioners of Information. The event was hosted by the Niger State Ministry of Information under the theme “Strategic Communication and Policy Alignment.”
Zango said terrorism in Katsina has reduced by 70%, with only a few border areas and forest regions still posing security challenges. He credited the improvement to ongoing efforts by the state to tackle insecurity.
While maintaining that the government does not negotiate with terrorists, Zango said that those who voluntarily surrender will be accepted back into society.
“Any bandit that decides to lay down his arms and embrace peace will be rehabilitated and given support and assistance,” he stated.
He added that repentant terrorists will be provided with proper education and other support needed to reintegrate and become productive members of the society.
The Katsina State Government has been working with security agencies and local communities to restore peace to affected areas, especially those bordering the neighbouring Zamfara and Kaduna States, which have also been hotspots for banditry and terrorism.