Bandit Leader Seek Peace Talks After Losing ₦95m To Alleged Scammer

By Paul Joseph

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Aliyu, has alleged that a notorious bandit leader in Katsina State sought peace talks after losing ₦95 million to an alleged gunrunner who reportedly disappeared with money meant for the purchase of weapons.

Aliyu, who represents Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, said the bandit kingpin, identified as Kachalla Maha, became desperate after the suspected gunrunner allegedly collected the money to procure firearms but absconded without delivering the weapons.

Speaking during an interview with reporters, the lawmaker said the incident came to light during ongoing security operations and investigations into banditry in Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas.

According to him, the failed arms deal left the bandit leader under pressure, prompting him to seek dialogue with security stakeholders while demanding the arrest of the alleged gunrunner.

“During our investigations, we discovered that someone had defrauded a bandit. The suspect collected money to procure weapons but disappeared after blocking his contact,” Aliyu said.

He disclosed that the bandit leader insisted the suspected gunrunner should be apprehended before any peace discussions could proceed.

Aliyu said investigators initially believed the transaction involved ₦29 million after tracing payments allegedly made through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators in Matazu town.

However, further investigations, backed by court orders to trace the financial transactions, allegedly revealed that the total amount transferred was ₦95 million.

The lawmaker said security operatives eventually tracked the movement of the funds through POS operators and fuel stations before arresting the suspected gunrunner.

He expressed concern over what he described as the involvement of some community members in facilitating arms procurement and providing logistical support to criminal groups.

Aliyu maintained that insecurity would remain difficult to overcome unless communities expose individuals collaborating with bandits and share credible intelligence with security agencies.

He added that ongoing investigations continue to reveal the extent of local support networks allegedly aiding armed groups, stressing that tackling internal collaborators is critical to ending banditry and restoring lasting peace in affected communities.