‘If you kill 10 of us, 20 will rise’ — Bandit leader threatens during peace talks

A notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Ummaru, has cautioned Nigerian security agencies against relying solely on military force to tackle insecurity in the country.

Ummaru issued the warning on Saturday during peace talks between bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

In a video clip shared by a counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, the bandit leader claimed that killing members of his group only worsens the situation.

“If today you kill 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 the people, alleging that authorities are more concerned with generating revenue than addressing insecurity.

“If our boys mistakenly abduct anyone or if security operatives apprehend one of ours, stakeholders should be involved and see that the person taken is released,” Ummaru added.

While speaking to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danmusa Local Government Area, he also stressed the need for parties to respect peace agreements.