Notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has publicly advocated for peaceful coexistence while firmly rejecting the “terrorist” label often used to describe his group.
Speaking during a recent peace dialogue in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Aleru warned that violent attacks would continue if the stigmatization persists.
Aleru, who leads an armed group operating across parts of Nigeria’s North-West, claimed that their activities are largely driven by long-standing grievances, systemic neglect, and perceived injustices.
“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing.
“We would prefer a return to the way things were—where there was mutual respect between farmers and herders, and security personnel stuck to their duties without bias.” He said.
He stressed that genuine reconciliation would only be possible if government and society stopped labeling his group as terrorists, suggesting that the designation fuels further hostility.
“As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” Aleru warned.
The dialogue session is part of ongoing peace efforts involving security agencies, local authorities, and various armed factions in the region.
Officials say the initiative seeks to de-escalate violence and explore long-term solutions to banditry and insecurity in the North-West.
