A suspected bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru, declared wanted by Nigerian security agencies, has reportedly resurfaced at a peace meeting held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, sparking widespread outrage and concern among Nigerians.
DAILY POST gathered that the meeting was convened to explore ways of ending hostilities between Fulani herders and farming communities in the area.
Despite being on the security watchlist, Aleru was said to have addressed stakeholders during the session, where he outlined measures to promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
Long linked to deadly attacks across Katsina and Zamfara States, Aleru had previously gone into hiding as military operations intensified in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.
In January, DAILY POST reported that the bandit kingpin had retreated to Asaula village amid strategic ambushes by security forces targeting his network.
His latest appearance has raised serious questions about the sincerity and effectiveness of peace-building efforts in bandit-ravaged communities.
“How are we sure he’s not doing this to buy himself time, evade justice, only to return stronger afterwards? This doesn’t make sense at all,” said Yahaya Abdulrahman, a concerned resident.
Security analysts and locals have also expressed fears that involving wanted persons in dialogue may undermine ongoing counterinsurgency efforts and embolden other criminal elements.
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