The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected plans by the Katsina State Government to release 70 suspected bandits.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Katsina, the party’s spokesperson, Lawal Tukur-Batagarawa, described the move as dangerous and warned that it could undermine public confidence in the government’s handling of insecurity.
According to the ADC, a leaked “secret” letter dated January 2, 2026, from the Ministry of Justice showed that legal processes had been initiated to secure the release of the suspects.
The letter, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdur-Rahman Umar, reportedly requested the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) to facilitate their release.
The state government has said the move is part of efforts to sustain an ongoing peace deal with armed groups.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Muazu, said the decision was aimed at consolidating peace agreements reached with “repentant bandits” in several frontline communities.
Tukur-Batagarawa dismissed the explanation, warning that the move would demoralise security personnel and embolden criminal elements.
“As a party, we condemn in the strongest terms the planned release of 70 suspected bandits by the Katsina State Government,” he said.
“It is totally unacceptable and irresponsible for any government to free criminals while communities continue to bleed.”
He also announced the inauguration of the ADC’s Katsina State leadership, headed by Ahmed Aliyu-Yar’Adua, as well as the constitution of a membership mobilisation, registration and revalidation committee chaired by Dr Mustapha Inuwa.