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A notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, has reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.
The bandit’s name features among 19 of the most-wanted terrorists and bandits in the country.
The development was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, in a post on his X handle on Sunday.
Makama stated that Garwa turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.
The security expert explained that Garwa, who hails from Kamfanin Daudawa village in Faskari LGA, has long been linked to killings, kidnappings and raids across forest belts in Katsina and neighbouring states.
According to Makama, security experts had previously described Garwa as part of a wider network of armed leaders destabilising the North-West and North Central through cross-border operations and exploiting weak state presence.
“Despite his bloody record, Garwa’s recent posture signals a possible shift in approach, as local leaders and security stakeholders weigh the implications of his acceptance of peace terms.
“Reactions remain divided. While some residents see the development as a chance to restore calm in long-troubled communities, others question the sincerity of the bandit leader, recalling the atrocities attributed to his group,” Makama added.
Bandit kingpin on Nigeria’s wanted list accepts peace deal in Katsina
