By Palang Paul
The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State Nigeria, Hon. Surajo Aliyu Daudawa, has secured the release of 26 kidnapped victims after holding a direct meeting with armed bandits in the forest.
The negotiation, which took place on Sunday 19th October 2025 was led by a notorious bandit kingpin, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who facilitated the safe release of the abductees from the Tafoki area of the state.
Sources said Daudawa personally entered the forest to hold talks with the Fulani armed group — one that had previously entered into a peace agreement with the local community — despite repeated government warnings against such engagements.
Photographs from the scene reportedly showed the council chairman standing beside Garwa, who was heavily armed, with ammunition visibly tucked into his jacket.
Faskari Local Government is one of the areas most affected by bandit attacks in Katsina State, with frequent cases of abductions and violent raids over the past few years.
Meanwhile, security authorities have continued to warn local leaders and communities against entering into peace talks with criminal groups.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently cautioned that such negotiations often backfire and embolden the bandits.
“Those who attempt to make peace with these criminals only put themselves and their communities in danger,” Musa warned in a Hausa-language interview. “These truces are used by the bandits to regroup and expand their operations.”
The release of the 26 hostages has sparked mixed reactions — with some praising the council chairman’s bravery, while others fear it could undermine ongoing national security efforts against banditry in the North-West.
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