Residents of Kankara Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State have held another round of peace talks with bandits terrorising communities in the area, with wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, reportedly attending the latest parley.
The development has renewed attention on the controversial use of dialogue and peace negotiations as part of efforts to end banditry in parts of Katsina State.
Security analyst and journalist, Bakastine, disclosed the development, noting that Aleru was among those present at the peace meeting.
In a video from the meeting, Aleru reportedly explained why previous peace efforts between communities and bandits had repeatedly failed to produce lasting peace.
His participation is particularly significant given his status as a wanted bandit kingpin and his alleged involvement in criminal activities across parts of northwestern Nigeria
The latest meeting also comes days after reports that Aleru suffered a major setback following a military encounter in Doma village, Katsina State, in which his son, eight other members of his family and about 30 motorcycles belonging to his network were reportedly lost.
Earlier in August 2026, SaharaReporters reported that Aleru had suffered the losses during the encounter.
Intelligence obtained by counter-insurgency expert and security analyst Zagazola Makama indicated that the casualties and loss of motorcycles had significantly weakened the operational strength and mobility of Aleru’s criminal network.
According to an intelligence report dated August 9, none of the estimated 30 motorcycles deployed by the syndicate during the encounter reportedly returned, with their riders said to have been neutralised.
The report also stated that Aleru’s son and eight other members of his family were killed during the encounter.
Despite the reported setback, Aleru’s appearance at the latest peace meeting suggests that dialogue with armed groups remains an ongoing strategy in some communities affected by banditry.
However, his participation has also raised questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of previous peace agreements involving bandit groups.
This is not the first time Aleru has publicly appeared at a peace meeting involving communities and government representatives.
In June 2025, the notorious bandit kingpin, who remained on the wanted list of Nigerian security forces, reportedly surfaced publicly at a peace meeting in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The meeting was aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and other communities and was attended by personnel of the Nigerian Army, community leaders and several bandit groups, including Aleru’s faction.
Aleru was reportedly seen participating actively in the discussions and addressing the gathering.
Reports from the meeting said Aleru spoke about measures to be adopted by Fulani communities and other groups to promote peaceful coexistence.
However, despite his participation in such peace initiatives, allegations of renewed attacks linked to his network have continued to raise doubts over whether such agreements can guarantee lasting security.
The latest peace meeting in Kankara therefore comes against the backdrop of years of bandit attacks, killings, kidnappings and displacement affecting communities across Katsina and other states in the North-West.
Aleru has also previously attracted controversy after being conferred with a traditional title in Zamfara State during the administration of former Governor Bello Matawalle, who is currently the Minister of State for Defence.
His reported participation in peace meetings despite being wanted by security forces has continued to generate debate over the government’s and communities’ approach to negotiating with armed groups.
While proponents of dialogue argue that negotiations can help reduce attacks and create avenues for communities to return to normal life, critics have warned that agreements with armed groups may collapse if they are not backed by effective enforcement, disarmament and sustained security operations.
The explanation reportedly offered by Aleru at the Kankara meeting on why previous peace efforts failed is therefore expected to attract further scrutiny as residents and authorities seek a lasting solution to banditry in the area.
The latest development also highlights the complex security situation confronting communities in Katsina, where residents are caught between the need to negotiate for immediate safety and the broader demand for sustained security operations against armed criminal groups. (SaharaReporters)
