The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has urged the Minister of Defence, retired Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and stop the Katsina State Government from implementing an alleged agreement involving the release of arrested bandits in exchange for kidnapped victims.

The call was made in a press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi.

MMWG expressed concern over reports that representatives of the Katsina State Government had entered into a deal with bandits for the release of about 70 individuals from both sides, describing the arrangement as dangerous and counterproductive.

The group questioned how Governor Dikko Radda could endorse such an agreement at a time when security agencies are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for widespread killings, abductions, and destruction of property across the country.

According to MMWG, negotiations of this nature could give criminal groups the opportunity to regroup, rearm, and launch further attacks not only in Katsina State but also in neighbouring states such as Kebbi, Kano, and Niger.

The organisation, which said one of its core objectives is the promotion of peace, security, and national development, called on the Federal Government to immediately halt the implementation of the purported agreement, warning that negotiating with bandits poses serious risks to the North-West, North-Central, and the country at large.