A yet-to-be-identified bandit kingpin has claimed that while his group lacks formal education, they are highly skilled in handling AK-47 rifles.
In a video shared online by security expert Zagazola Makama, the kingpin is seen holding a rifle as he spoke, with other members of the group watching attentively.
The remarks were made during a peace meeting in Dutsenma Local Government Area of Katsina State, where the kingpin and his followers met with authorities to discuss ongoing security challenges.
He stressed that formal education does not determine their proficiency with weapons.
“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.
The bandit leader drew a comparison between his group and educated citizens, suggesting that their power comes from firearms rather than books.
He stated: “While you gather books on your shelves, we have gathered AK-47 rifles,” raising his weapon during the dialogue.
The crowd responded with chants of “Yay!”
He also highlighted the importance of accountability in negotiations, insisting that promises must be honoured.
“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, referring to past interactions with authorities that he claims were left unfulfilled.
The bandit leader alleged that members of his group remain detained across multiple states, criticising authorities for failing to release them.
“There is no state without our people in detention; Katsina, Kano and even Abuja. Many of our men and women have been detained, but when we ask for their release, nothing happens. These are our complaints to the Nigerian leaders,” he said.
He accused government officials of failing to implement agreements reached during previous negotiations.
“Your leaders come to meet us and we agree on certain issues, but once they leave, they go back and sit comfortably in their ACs, without fulfilling those promises,” he said, prompting laughter from those present.
Warning of potential consequences if their concerns are ignored, he added: “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 concluded by assuring that his group would respond to calls for dialogue if detained members were released.
“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.
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