Drama Unfolds As Top Bandit Leader Meets Authorities – Declares Stunning Terms For Ceasefire

Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader currently on the wanted list of Nigerian security agencies, has warned that branding his group as “terrorists” will only prolong the cycle of violence devastating North-West communities.

Speaking during a peace dialogue held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Aleru, who represented his group, declared:

“As long as we are being called terrorists, don’t expect us to stop acting like terrorists.”

Aleru justified his group’s violent actions by blaming years of systemic neglect, injustice, and unresolved grievances, which he claimed pushed many young men into banditry out of desperation rather than malice.

“Our parents are not proud of what we do. Deep down, even we don’t want this life,” he said.
“We would rather return to the days when herders and farmers respected one another, and security agents did their jobs fairly.”

He argued that peace is only possible through genuine dialogue, mutual respect, and the removal of stigmatizing labels. According to Aleru, reconciliation and reintegration must be built on honesty and trust.

The Danmusa dialogue is part of broader peace-building efforts involving security forces, local governments, and armed groups, aiming to end the prolonged violence in the North-West. Traditional rulers and community leaders are also ramping up engagement to restore calm to the region, which has long suffered from deadly conflict between bandits and government forces.