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Group Raises Concern Over ‘Peace Meeting’ Between Zamfara, Katsina State Officials With Notorious Bandits

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9 months ago

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A civil society group, the Citizens for Equity and Justice Initiative (CEJI), has condemned the governors of Zamfara and Katsina states over a widely criticised peace meeting held with Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader long declared wanted by security forces.

 

The meeting, held Saturday in Bichi community, Danmusa LGA of Katsina, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Army, and top officials from both states. In widely circulated video footage, Aleru — who has a N5 million bounty on his head — was seen addressing the gathering, urging for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and farming communities.

 

Aleru has been linked to countless acts of terror and bloodshed in the north-west, with human rights organisations accusing him of orchestrating mass killings, mass kidnappings, and the displacement of thousands. His reemergence, not in handcuffs but at the centre of state-sanctioned negotiations, has sparked outrage across the country.

 

CEJI, a non-partisan watchdog focused on justice and rule of law, said the presence of state officials and security personnel at a meeting where Aleru was not only welcomed but offered a platform to speak, was a complete betrayal of the Nigerian people and an affront to every citizen who has lost a loved one to bandit violence.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Abdulmumin Sarki, CEJI president, accused governors Dikko Radda of Katsina and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara of hypocrisy and political cowardice.

 

“These are the same governors who, while campaigning, condemned so-called peace deals with blood-stained warlords,” Sarki said.

 

“Now in power, they are doing precisely what they once derided — normalising criminals as stakeholders in the governance process, even as tens of thousands of citizens remain unaccounted for due to the very violence these men unleashed.”

 

The group referenced a 2023 report by Amnesty International which estimated that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed and tens of thousands more displaced in the past two years alone as a result of banditry and communal violence in the northwest. In that context, CEJI described the peace parley as a “moral collapse of governance”.

 

“You do not negotiate with terrorists in the open, not when the blood of their victims is still drying, not when they remain armed, wanted, and unrepentant. It is a dangerous precedent that delegitimises state authority and emboldens violent actors,” Sarki added.

 

Governor Lawal of Zamfara had, in August 2023, publicly ruled out dialogue with bandits, describing such moves as “a failed strategy that has only given criminals more time to regroup and rearm.”

 

Similarly, Governor Radda had dismissed earlier peace talks under his predecessor as “a misguided approach that rewarded impunity.”

 

CEJI said both governors must be held to account for clearly contradicting their own policy positions and exposing the public to more insecurity.

 

“The Nigerian state cannot simultaneously claim to be fighting insecurity while its chief executives are sharing stages with those they should be arresting. This is a contradiction that weakens the rule of law and puts lives at risk,” Sarki said.

 

The group called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately investigate the circumstances under which Ado Aleru was allowed to surface freely and publicly despite his wanted status.

 

“It is unacceptable that a man declared wanted since 2020 was able to move around with such impunity, engage state actors, and issue statements without fear of arrest. The implication is that there may be state complicity in shielding these actors, which is a grievous national security breach,” the statement added.

 

The group also urged the National Human Rights Commission and international partners to investigate the meeting as a possible violation of Nigeria’s obligations under international law.

 

“Negotiating with known perpetrators of crimes against humanity, in full view of the security agencies and the public, without any form of justice or accountability, is a breach of international norms and values,” CEJI stated.

 

It called on the governors to issue public explanations for their roles in the meeting and to clarify whether their administrations now officially recognise violent non-state actors as peace partners.

 

“If the governors of Katsina and Zamfara can legitimise a fugitive bandit in the name of peace, what will stop every other violent group from demanding the same treatment?” Sarki asked.

 

“That meeting undermines the rule of law. It tells victims there is no justice. It tells future terrorists that with enough weapons and violence, they too can get invited to state dinners.

 

“We strongly condemn that so-called peace meeting and urge the security agencies to investigate that highly provocative gathering.”

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Education

NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

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8 hours ago

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March 27, 2026

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The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

 

 

-Leadership

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Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

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13 hours ago

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March 27, 2026

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

 

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

 

-Leadership

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Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

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13 hours ago

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March 27, 2026

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According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara

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