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A prominent bandit leader in Katsina State, Audu Lankai, has claimed that the resurgence of kidnappings and attacks across parts of the state is due to the government’s alleged failure to honour some terms of a peace agreement reached with armed groups.
Lankai made this disclosure during an exclusive interview with News Central’s Rukayyah Jibia, insisting that the collapse of the ceasefire was triggered by what he described as unfulfilled commitments by the authorities.
His comments were featured in a documentary that premiered on June 16, 2026, after the reporter gained rare access to the hideout of bandit leaders in Katsina.
According to Lankai, one of the conditions of the agreement required the bandits to release kidnapped victims, which he said they complied with. However, he alleged that the government failed to fulfil its own obligations.
“The government is yet to fulfill their part of the agreement, which is many. The reason why I say they are many is that in our earlier agreements we released kidnap victims. Again, the government pledged to release our people from prison, and as at today they are yet to be released. We also had an agreement on schools that will be constructed, and not a single one has been built,” he said.
He maintained that the alleged breach of the agreement contributed to the return of hostilities, including fresh kidnappings and attacks on communities across the state.
The breakdown of the ceasefire has reportedly reignited insecurity in several parts of Katsina, with residents facing renewed fears following fresh incidents of killings, abductions and reprisal attacks.
While Lankai blamed the government for the collapse of the peace arrangement, authorities have rejected the allegations.
Katsina State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaimon, said the government had already begun implementing some of the agreed projects, including the construction of schools and other basic amenities.
He explained that government programmes require time to execute, adding that those involved in the negotiations did not fully understand how government processes work and that implementation would be gradual rather than immediate.
The renewed violence has also intensified concerns among residents, many of whom had hoped the truce would bring lasting peace after years of armed attacks. Community members say the return of insecurity has slowed recovery efforts and heightened fears over the safety of lives and property.
Security experts have consistently warned that peace agreements with armed groups can only succeed when all parties remain committed to transparent implementation and sustained dialogue. They argue that unresolved grievances and unmet expectations can quickly undermine fragile ceasefires.
Meanwhile, News Central said it will host a town hall meeting titled “From Fear to Safety: Survivors, Security and the Future of Katsina” on July 9, 2026.
The forum is expected to bring together stakeholders to discuss practical solutions aimed at restoring peace and addressing the lingering security crisis in the state.
