Dr. Bashir Kurfi, Convener of the Katsina Community Security Initiative, has alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored some notorious bandit leaders to perform the Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, spending as much as N10 million on each individual.
Kurfi made the allegation during a live interview on Trust TV’s podcast while discussing insecurity, monitored by The News Chronicle on Wednesday, government engagement with armed groups, and efforts to combat banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region.
According to him, several notorious bandit leaders have maintained direct contact with government officials and have participated in meetings and negotiations despite being linked to violent attacks across the region.
Kurfi cited the example of Audu Lankai, whom he described as one of the most prominent bandit leaders operating in Katsina and neighboring areas. He claimed that government officials and committees have held discussions with the bandit leader as part of engagement efforts.
He further alleged that authorities are fully aware of the identities, family backgrounds, and locations of several bandit leaders, insisting that many of them live in known communities rather than hiding in remote forests.
The security advocate also mentioned another bandit leader identified as Mohammed, alleging that he continued to engage with government representatives even after being associated with major criminal activities.
However, Kurfi’s most controversial claim was that some notorious bandits were sponsored by the Katsina State Government to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“In Katsina, it is alleged that the government paid about N10 million for each bandit to go to Saudi Arabia for Hajj,” he said.
When asked whether he had evidence to support the allegation, Kurfi acknowledged that it remained an allegation but insisted that several well-known bandit leaders were seen in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage.
He questioned the rationale behind allowing individuals accused of murder and attacks on civilians and military personnel to perform Hajj and return freely through Nigerian airports.
Kurfi also advocated for stronger community-based security structures, arguing that local vigilante groups and volunteers are better positioned to identify criminal elements within their communities.
