KATSINA, Nigeria — Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader declared wanted by Nigerian police since 2020 and the subject of a ₦5 million bounty, resurfaced at a public peace meeting in Bichi community, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, over the weekend.
Aleru’s unexpected appearance — captured in widely circulated video footage — shows him addressing a gathering of community leaders, government officials, security personnel, and religious figures.
The meeting, reportedly aimed at fostering reconciliation between Fulani herders and farming communities, took place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and has since provoked strong condemnation across the state and online.
Trending Video Of The Most Wanted Bandit Kingpin In The North, Ado Aleru And His Armed Terrorists Gang Meeting With Members Of The Nigerian Armed Forces In Katsina State
— Esen (@SemiNigerian) June 16, 2025
According to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication, the event was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Army, Danmusa LGA officials, traditional rulers, and clerics.
During the session, Aleru reportedly proposed steps to curb ongoing violence in the region and encouraged peaceful coexistence.
However, many have denounced the peace meeting as a betrayal of justice, given Aleru’s history and standing as a wanted fugitive.
“Ado Aleru was declared wanted by police in this state under the leadership of CP Sanusi Buba,” a senior government source told ThisDay.
“The command even placed a ₦5 million bounty on his head. He has made himself available now, they should go and arrest him to face the wrath of the law, but certainly not to negotiate with him because he is not sincere.”
Despite the uproar, Katsina State Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, defended the government’s participation.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Mua’zu revealed that Aleru and seven other militant leaders had surrendered voluntarily, denounced terrorism, and released 17 hostages as a sign of goodwill.
“We spent two years fighting these criminals, and the governor has made it clear that he will not negotiate with them,” Mua’zu said.
“But anyone who genuinely denounces banditry will be accepted and reintegrated into society.”
He further argued that both Islamic principles and international conventions support peace once parties seek reconciliation.
“Islamically, it is wrong for the government to continue fighting them since they accepted peace. And going by the Geneva Convention, it is also wrong to extend the fight after they came for dialogue,” Mua’zu stated.
