Dr Bashir Kurfi, Convener of the Katsina Community Security Initiative, on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, in a televised interview monitored in Nigeria, alleged that the Katsina State Government paid as much as N10 million each to suspected bandit leaders to enable them perform the Muslim pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a claim that has sparked renewed debate on security policy and engagement with armed groups.

Dr Bashir Kurfi made the remarks during an appearance on Trust TV’s live podcast, where he spoke extensively on insecurity in the North-West and alleged state-level interactions with individuals linked to violent crime.

The interview has since drawn attention across security and governance circles due to the severity of the claims.

According to Dr Kurfi, some of the individuals described as bandit leaders have not only been in contact with government representatives but have also participated in meetings and negotiation processes.

He alleged that one of the figures involved, identified as Audu Lankai, remains a prominent actor in the region despite ongoing security operations.

“The government meets with him. The government sits with him,” Dr Kurfi said during the interview, insisting that some of the individuals are widely known within their communities and not in hiding as commonly perceived.

He further claimed that authorities are aware of the identities and locations of several suspected bandit figures, adding that many of them maintain family ties and live within accessible communities.

The assertion adds a controversial dimension to ongoing discussions about negotiated peace efforts in the region.

The most striking allegation came when Dr Kurfi stated that some of the individuals were sponsored to undertake pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, a claim he linked to broader attempts at engagement and pacification.

“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 pressed during the interview on whether he had documentary evidence, Dr Kurfi clarified that his remarks were based on allegations and reports circulating within affected communities, while maintaining that some of the individuals were reportedly sighted during the pilgrimage period.

He also rejected suggestions that such engagements formed part of a structured peace-building strategy, warning instead that they could undermine public confidence in justice and accountability.

“How can you be a murderer if you don’t have any faith?” he said, questioning the moral implications of such arrangements.

Dr Kurfi also advocated for stronger community-based security systems, arguing that local knowledge remains critical in identifying criminal elements and improving intelligence gathering in affected areas.

The allegations come amid ongoing national debate over non-kinetic approaches to insecurity in northern Nigeria, where several state governments have at various times explored dialogue, negotiation, and rehabilitation frameworks for armed groups.

Authorities in Katsina State have not issued an official response to the claims at the time of reporting.