A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has issued a strong warning to Nigerian security forces against using force as the main way to fight banditry. Ummaru made the statement during peace talks held last Saturday in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Ummaru is one of the most wanted criminals linked to banditry in Northwest Nigeria, where armed groups regularly attack communities, kidnap residents, and disrupt daily life. The region has seen rising violence over the years, causing fear and displacement among locals.
During the talks with community leaders, Ummaru said killing bandits would only lead to more people joining the criminal groups. “If today you kill 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20. You kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” he said.
He accused the government of neglecting the people’s welfare and focusing only on making money. “Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone. All it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things wouldn’t be happening,” Ummaru claimed.
Ummaru also asked that if any of their members are captured or if there are cases of kidnappings, local stakeholders should be involved in resolving the situation peacefully. “If our boys mistakenly abduct anyone or if security operatives apprehend one of ours, stakeholders should be involved and see that the person taken is released,” he said.
Speaking to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danmusa Local Government Area, Ummaru highlighted the importance of respecting the peace agreement and avoiding actions that could break trust between the bandits and communities.
These peace talks come amid growing insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed bandit groups have taken control of many rural areas. Kidnappings for ransom, attacks on villages, and clashes with security forces have displaced thousands of people and affected farming and business activities.
Katsina State, in particular, has been a hotspot for bandit attacks. Efforts to bring lasting peace have included negotiations with bandit groups, community dialogue, and military operations. However, the violence continues, highlighting the complexity of the crisis.
The Nigerian government has often taken a hardline approach to banditry, with military operations aimed at eliminating armed groups. But this strategy has faced criticism for sometimes causing civilian casualties and failing to address the root causes of the conflict, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
Ummaru’s warning reflects the challenges security forces face in trying to end banditry. His claim that more bandits emerge after every attack suggests a cycle of violence fuelled by social and economic problems in the region.
