Outrage as Notorious Bandit Leader Ado Aleru Resurfaces at Peace Meeting in Katsina

Public outrage and fear have spread across Nigeria after Ado Aleru, a wanted bandit kingpin with a long history of violence, re-emerged at a peace conference in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Despite being on the most-wanted list of Nigerian security agencies, Aleru appeared publicly and unchallenged at the gathering, which was convened to explore peaceful solutions between Fulani herders and local farming communities.

According to multiple sources, Aleru addressed stakeholders at the forum, outlining his vision for “peaceful coexistence” in the conflict-ridden region. His participation, however, has drawn sharp criticism from citizens and security experts who view the act as a dangerous concession to violence.

“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 Katsina resident.

The infamous bandit leader has long been linked to deadly attacks in Katsina and Zamfara States. In January, he reportedly fled to Asaula village to escape intensified military operations targeting his network in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara.

He has remained a high-profile fugitive, evading capture through his extensive local influence and mobility.

Aleru’s presence at a government-sanctioned peace effort has prompted serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s counterterrorism and peacebuilding efforts. Critics fear that legitimizing such individuals could undermine ongoing military campaigns and embolden other criminal actors.

Security analysts argue that involving wanted criminals in peace dialogues sends the wrong message that violence can lead to negotiation, not prosecution.