A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives Danlami Muhammad Kurfi has debunked reports claiming that Katsina State plans to release convicted bandits as part of its ongoing peace initiative.
Kurfi who represented Dutsinma/Kurfi Federal Constituency in Katsina State clarified this during an interview with Katsina Post following a recent online report alleging that the administration of Governor Dikko Radda is preparing to free bandits under a peace agreement.
Kurfi said the trending report is a misrepresentation of the facts while explaining that the individuals being considered for release are not convicted bandits, but rather relatives of bandits or innocent persons who were randomly arrested.
According to him, these individuals were either picked up in markets and other public places during security operations, solely due to their association or family links.
“There is no plan to release convicted bandits. The people under consideration are relatives of bandits or innocent individuals who were arrested without evidence of direct involvement in criminal activities,” Kurfi said.
He noted that the state government’s peace strategy is built on justice, intelligence gathering, and reconciliation, not on granting freedom to hardened criminals.
The former lawmaker also commended local communities, traditional leaders, and concerned stakeholders across Katsina State for their roles in supporting the peace process, which he said has contributed to the relative stability currently being enjoyed in many parts of the state.
Kurfi further criticised individuals and groups opposing the peace initiative, describing them as political opportunists seeking to exploit the insecure situation for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Some of those attacking the peace process are not even residents in Katsina State. Many of them live in Kaduna or Abuja and are simply attempting to politicise insecurity for selfish interests,” he alleged.
He urged residents of the state to continue supporting the government’s efforts to consolidate peace, warning that misinformation could undermine the progress already recorded.