Katsina LG ‘Paying Bandits’ N300 Million? Ex-SSG Drops Bombshell!

A former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Katsina State, Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, has dropped a bombshell, alleging that one of the local government areas in the state has set aside a staggering N300 million in its 2026 budget specifically to appease suspected bandits. This revelation comes amidst ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, raising serious questions about the effectiveness and morality of such payments. The ADC chieftain further revealed that multiple other council areas are already doling out millions of Naira monthly to these criminal elements, all under the guise of a ‘peace deal’. This practice, he argues, diverts crucial funds meant for the development of these communities and benefits a select few while the majority suffer. Below are the key points from this shocking exposé:

• One Katsina LG has budgeted a massive N300 million for bandits in 2026.
• Several other councils are paying millions monthly to bandits.
• These payments are happening despite the claimed community-initiated peace deals.
• Concerns are raised about the diversion of funds from community development.
• The former SSG questions the logic behind freeing bandits while paying them.

The N300 Million Bandit Fund: A Deeper Dive

Dr. Inuwa, who served as SSG under the previous administration of Governor Aminu Bello Masari, minced no words in his interview. He stated, “There is a local government in Katsina State that has earmarked the sum of N300 million for bandits in its 2026 budget. Government also gives money to bandits monthly, and this is despite the so-called peace deal with bandits.” This implies that even with existing peace initiatives, which have been in place across 18 local government areas of the state, these heavy financial commitments to criminal elements persist. The critical question is: where is this money actually going, and is it truly buying peace or simply funding further criminal activities?

Peace Deals Under Fire

The effectiveness of the community-initiated peace deals has been called into question by Dr. Inuwa’s claims. He expressed doubt that these agreements will yield long-term results, pointing out that attacks by bandits continue relentlessly in various parts of Katsina. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the state government’s apparent intention to facilitate the release of numerous convicted and suspected bandits, a move that seems contradictory to the government’s previous stance of not negotiating with such individuals. This creates a confusing narrative where the authorities appear to be both fighting and funding the insurgency simultaneously.

Governor Radda Lauds Armed Forces

In a related development, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda took the opportunity at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to commend the Nigerian armed forces. He lauded their sacrifices, bravery, and unwavering dedication in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and protecting its citizens. Governor Radda emphasized the military’s role as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s security framework, particularly in states like Katsina that are on the frontlines of battling insurgency and banditry. He acknowledged that the gradual restoration of peace in communities previously devastated by insecurity is a direct testament to the sustained military operations and their commitment to duty. The governor also highlighted his administration’s proactive approach in collaborating with security agencies, providing essential logistics, facilitating intelligence sharing, and engaging with communities to bolster ongoing security operations.

Why This Matters

The allegations of local governments budgeting vast sums to pay bandits raise alarming questions about governance, accountability, and the future of security in Nigeria. While the armed forces are praised for their efforts, the alleged financial appeasement of criminals paints a grim picture. It suggests a potential systemic issue where funds are being diverted from essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure, all to satisfy a criminal element. The long-term implications of such a strategy could be devastating, potentially entrenching banditry rather than eradicating it. It’s a complex situation that requires transparency and decisive action to ensure public funds are used for the betterment of all citizens, not for the perpetuation of crime.

Note: The specific names of the local government areas and the exact amounts of monthly payments were not disclosed in the initial report but are described as running into “several millions of Naira” by the source.