Katsina Governor’s Aide: Bandit Leader Was Once University’s Best Graduating Student

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A media aide to the Katsina State Governor, Jamil Mabai, has claimed that the leader of a notorious bandit group who recently took part in peace negotiations was once celebrated as the best graduating student at a university in the state.

In an interview with News Central TV, Mabai said the case underscored how systemic neglect, unemployment and weak governance have driven many educated youths into crime. He emphasised, however, that such circumstances do not excuse armed violence or the terror inflicted on rural communities.

Katsina, like several other states in Nigeria, has grappled with years of banditry involving kidnappings, cattle rustling and deadly raids on villages. State governments have, at various times, initiated peace talks with armed groups, offering amnesty in exchange for disarmament.

Critics argue that such deals often collapse, emboldening the groups rather than resolving the crisis.

Security analysts note that despite peace initiatives, attacks continue to be reported in neighbouring Zamfara, Sokoto and Niger states, raising doubts about the sustainability of dialogue with criminal networks.

Mabai’s remarks highlight the paradox of Nigeria’s security challenges — where individuals with educational achievements and potential have still been drawn into banditry. His comments are likely to intensify debate over whether addressing socio-economic deprivation should take precedence over military crackdowns in tackling the insecurity plaguing the region.