Katsina Bandit Lost ₦95 Million to Alleged Gunrunner, Later Sought Peace Talks – Lawmaker

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Aliyu, has alleged that a notorious bandit leader in Katsina State sought peace negotiations after an alleged gunrunner disappeared with ₦95 million meant for the purchase of weapons.

Aliyu, who represents the Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, disclosed the development during an interview with Hausa NTA. He said the revelation emerged during ongoing security investigations into bandit activities in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

According to the lawmaker, the suspected gunrunner collected the money from the bandit under the promise of supplying firearms but allegedly vanished after blocking all communication with him.

Aliyu said the bandit leader, identified as Kachalla Maha, later became desperate as pressure mounted over the failed arms deal and began advocating for peace talks. During the discussions, the bandit reportedly requested that the alleged gunrunner be arrested before any agreement could proceed.

The lawmaker explained that security agencies investigated the financial transactions linked to the case. He said the money was allegedly transferred through several POS operators and fuel stations in Matazu before reaching the suspect.

He added that investigators obtained a court order to trace the transactions, which eventually led to the arrest of the alleged gunrunner.

Aliyu noted that the bandit initially claimed he had lost ₦29 million, but investigators later established that the total amount involved was ₦95 million.

He expressed concern over the role of some community members in supporting criminal groups, alleging that certain individuals assist bandits by facilitating financial transactions, supplying logistics and providing intelligence.

The lawmaker called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that tackling insecurity requires exposing those who collaborate with armed groups.

Aliyu said ongoing investigations continue to uncover the extent of local support networks that sustain bandit operations and urged communities to reject all forms of assistance to criminal elements.

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