A suspected bandit leader has publicly declared that members of his group, despite lacking formal education, are highly skilled in the use of firearms, particularly the AK-47 rifle.
The statement was made during a gathering in Dutsenma Local Government Area of Katsina State, where the armed leader addressed a crowd while holding a rifle. Those present were seen cheering as he spoke.
“We did not go to school and we are not educated, but even without schooling, we know how to operate an AK-47,” he said.
He added that while others focus on education, his group has focused on acquiring weapons.
The bandit leader also criticised Nigerian authorities over what he described as repeated failures to honour agreements reached during dialogue efforts.
According to him, several members of his group are currently in detention across different locations, including Katsina, Kano and Abuja. He claimed that some detainees have not been released despite ongoing negotiations.
“There is no state without our people in detention,” he said, adding that the situation remains one of the group’s main grievances.
He further accused government representatives of failing to implement agreed terms after meetings.
“Your leaders come to meet us and we agree on certain issues, but once they leave, they go back and sit comfortably without fulfilling those promises,” he said.
The leader warned that continued failure to meet these demands could lead to a breakdown in dialogue, with fighters returning fully to the forest.
Despite the threats, he expressed willingness to continue talks, provided that prior agreements are respected.
“If you release our people, we will come when invited. We are not afraid, but we fear unfulfilled promises,” he said.
The development highlights ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where efforts at negotiation with armed groups remain fragile and controversial.
