A suspected bandit kingpin has admitted that members of his group lack formal education but possess strong proficiency in handling weapons, especially AK-47 rifles.
This disclosure appeared in a post shared on Monday by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X, alongside a video showing the armed leader addressing a gathering in Dutsenma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
In the footage, the leader, seen holding a rifle and surrounded by his fighters, spoke boldly as those present cheered in support.
“We did not go to school and we are not educated, but even without schooling, we know how to operate an AK-47,” he said.
He went on to draw a contrast between his group and educated individuals; “While you gather books on your shelves, we have gathered AK-47 rifles and the weapons are our education,” as he lifted his weapon before the crowd, which responded with loud cheers.
The kingpin also accused authorities of failing to honour agreements reached during past dialogue efforts.
“If we make promises to you, we try to fulfil them. We expect you to do the same. This is one of our major concerns,” he said.
He further claimed that several of his members remain in detention across various states, including Katsina, Kano, and Abuja, alleging that they have not been released despite negotiations.
“There is no state without our people in detention. Many of our men and women have been detained, but when we ask for their release, nothing happens,” he added.
According to him, government representatives often engage them in discussions but fail to implement agreed terms.
“Your leaders come to meet us and we agree on certain issues, but once they leave, they go back and sit comfortably in air conditions without fulfilling those promises,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He warned that the group could abandon dialogue if such actions persist.
“All the people you see here may disappear into the forest for months if we are not invited again for discussions. You may only find small children left behind,” he stated.
Despite the warning, the kingpin maintained that they remain open to further negotiations, provided that previous agreements are respected.
“If you release our people, even if you call us to Katsina, we will come. We are not afraid to go anywhere, but we fear unfulfilled promises,” he said.
