Speaking during the interview, Kurfi cited the example of a bandit leader identified as Audu Lankai, whom he described as one of the most prominent criminal figures operating in Katsina and neighbouring areas.
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, paying as much as N10 million for each individual.
Kurfi made the allegation during a recent interview on Trust TV’s live podcast monitored by SaharaReporters on Wednesday while discussing insecurity, government engagement with armed groups and efforts to tackle banditry in Nigeria’s North-West region.
He alleged that several bandit leaders have maintained direct contact with government officials, stating that some of them have even participated in meetings and negotiations with authorities despite being linked to violent attacks across the region.
Speaking during the interview, Kurfi cited the example of a bandit leader identified as Audu Lankai, whom he described as one of the most prominent criminal figures operating in Katsina and neighbouring areas.
