If you k!ll 10 of us, we’ll retaliate with 20 – Bandit Kingpin warns army

Feared bandit kingpin Kachalla Ummaru has issued a fresh warning to security agencies, saying the k!lling of bandits will only lead to the rise of more armed men

Speaking during a peace dialogue with community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, Ummaru argued that a purely military approach to insecurity is counterproductive.

In a video shared by counter-insurgency reporter Zagazola Makama, Ummaru claimed that killings only fuel recruitment into bandit camps.

“If today you k!ll 10 bandits, tomorrow you’ll see 20… you kill 20, another 30 will rise both in our bushes and villages,” he said.

He accused the government of neglecting ordinary citizens while prioritising revenue generation.

“Truth be told, the government doesn’t care about anyone, all it’s after is how to generate money. If the government cared about the people, all these things won’t be happening,” he added.

Ummaru also lashed out at residents for providing intelligence to security forces, claiming that reports of successful operations were often exaggerated.

“You people (residents of Matazu LGA) are also part of the problem because you are fond of complaining to security operatives and giving them information. Even when they come to where we are, they don’t k!ll even a bird, but you’ll hear in the news that 10 bandits have been killed and they’ll be paid,” he said.

He further urged security operatives to respect the peace process, warning that any breach would render the negotiations pointless.

“If these security operatives won’t be told to leave us alone then I don’t think these peace talks have any importance,” he declared.

Addressing the divisional police officer (DPO) of Danmusa LGA directly, Ummaru called for mutual understanding.

“To you the DPO of Danmusa LGA, if you want these our peace talks to yield anything tangible, then every favour we seek should be considered and done for us from your end. Anything you request from us (bandits) we see to it that it is done. The same should apply when we seek your help. Let us help one another and live in peace,” he said.

The dialogue, attended by security personnel and local elders, is part of ongoing efforts to de-escalate violence in Katsina State.

Only last week, 28 abducted victims were released in Faskari LGA following negotiations by local authorities, a development many see as a positive sign for the fragile peace process.

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