By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has alleged that informants within government circles, security agencies and local communities aid bandits across the state. He made the disclosure during an interview with Channels Television while explaining how leaked intelligence frustrates security operations. Radda also defended community-led peace negotiations with bandits, saying some affected areas have recorded no attacks for more than one year after dialogue efforts.
Radda Alleges Informants Leak Security Plans
Radda said criminal groups receive sensitive information from insiders within communities and security structures. According to him, the leaks allow bandits to escape arrests and ambush security operatives.
The governor identified a notorious bandit leader simply as Mohammed. He claimed the suspect receives constant updates from informants.
“This notorious person disturbing us is Mohammed. Everybody knows him. His family comes from the area,” Radda said.
He added that community members often refuse to provide useful intelligence to security agencies. Consequently, operations against bandits become difficult.
Radda revealed that bandits sometimes learn about government security meetings within minutes.
“The day I held a high-level security meeting, he already knew our discussions five minutes later,” the governor stated.
Bandits Allegedly Use Communities Against Government
The governor further claimed that bandit leaders now deploy propaganda tactics to frustrate government actions.
According to him, criminal groups allegedly encourage villages to protest against security operations. As a result, communities pressure the government to reduce military actions.
Radda also alleged that informants alert bandits whenever security operatives move into affected areas.
“They tell them security personnel are coming and even reveal the routes they will use,” he said.
He explained that such leaks often expose operatives to ambushes during rescue or combat missions.
Radda Explains Support for Community Peace Talks
Although Radda said he initially opposed negotiating with bandits, he later allowed communities to hold talks.
The governor explained that residents begged for dialogue after enduring repeated attacks and poor protection.
“I was the one who initially opposed negotiating with bandits,” he said. “However, the communities pleaded with me because they wanted peace.”
Radda stressed that he never participated directly in the negotiations. Instead, he only granted communities permission to proceed.
“I told them they could go ahead, but I would not be part of it,” he added.
Peace Talks Reduced Attacks in Some Areas
The governor disclosed that several local governments that embraced negotiations have remained peaceful for over one year.
“As I speak today, some local governments that entered peace negotiations have not recorded attacks for more than a year,” he stated.
He noted that the primary goal remains restoring peace and protecting residents from violence.
According to Radda, he accepted the communities’ request because he governs based on the people’s mandate.
“Who am I to reject what they want if it can bring peace?” he asked.
Governor Open to Negotiations From Position of Strength
Despite supporting community-led dialogue, Radda maintained that he would not personally initiate talks with bandits.
However, he said he could negotiate if bandits approached the government genuinely seeking peace.
He stressed that any future negotiation must happen from a position of strength, not weakness.
