'Repentant Bandits' Terrorise Communities, Steal 97 Cattle In A Week

News in brief:

-Farmers in Chikun and Igabi LGAs report that ‘repentant bandits’ have resumed violent activities, stealing 97 cattle within a week.

-Communities say the renewed attacks undermine the Kaduna Peace Model and urge urgent government intervention.

Farmers in Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State recently raised alarm over renewed cattle rustling and escalating insecurity allegedly carried out by individuals previously profiled as ‘repentant bandits.’ The communities reported that 97 cattle were stolen within a week, heightening fears that the fragile peace efforts in the region are beginning to unravel.

Farmers Detail Losses, Appeal for Intervention

In an SOS message circulated through community channels, a representative of the farmers said the incidents occurred in Kadi village and surrounding settlements near the Kaduna Airport axis. The group stated that those responsible were the same individuals recognised under the state’s rehabilitation efforts for former bandits.

They described the situation as 'worsening by the day' and urged security agencies to launch an immediate investigation.

“Despite being celebrated as a success story of the ‘Kaduna Peace Model,’ these ‘repentant bandits’ continue to kidnap, kill, and rustle cattle with impunity, while the government appears to turn a blind eye,” the representative said.

Concerns Over Kaduna Peace Model

The Kaduna Peace Model, introduced by Governor Uba Sani in 2023, emphasises inclusive governance, grassroots dialogue, rural transformation, and community-led security structures. It was positioned as a shift from heavy reliance on military operations to a more holistic approach aimed at tackling the root causes of banditry and communal violence.

Kaduna had long been considered one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions, grappling with farmer–herder clashes, kidnappings, and banditry. On November 11, 2025, Governor Sani defended the model during an address at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, describing it as a practical, experience-driven roadmap to restoring stability.

However, the farmers' recent claims suggest growing cracks in the system. Community leaders say the resurgence of cattle rustling by individuals labelled as 'rehabilitated' undermines public trust and threatens to erode the progress made over the past two years.

Communities Await Government Action

Residents urged both state and federal authorities to address the allegations and review the monitoring mechanisms for reintegrated individuals. They warned that failure to act could trigger fresh displacement, deepen food insecurity, and further destabilise rural livelihoods. Security agencies had yet to issue an official response as of when this article was published.