“We Know How To Operate An AK-47 Without Going To School’ – Bandit Leader Claims

A suspected bandit kingpin has admitted that members of his group lack formal education but are highly skilled in the use of weapons, particularly AK-47 rifles.

The admission was contained in a video shared on Monday by a security analyst, Zagazola Makama, in a post on 𝕏 showing the armed leader addressing a gathering in Dutsenma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

In the video, the bandit leader, surrounded by armed followers, spoke confidently while brandishing a rifle.

“We did not go to school and we are not educated, but even without schooling, we know how to operate an AK-47,” he said.

He further compared his group to educated individuals, saying, “While you gather books on your shelves, we have gathered AK-47 rifles and the weapons are our education.”

The kingpin also accused authorities of failing to honour agreements reached during previous peace dialogues.

“If we make promises to you, we try to fulfil them. We expect you to do the same. This is one of our major concerns,” he said.

He alleged that several members of his group remain in detention across different states despite negotiations.

“There is no state without our people in detention. Many of our men and women have been detained, but when we ask for their release, nothing happens,” he added.

The bandit leader warned that his group could withdraw from dialogue efforts if authorities continue to renege on agreements.

He said, “Your leaders come to meet us and we agree on certain issues, but once they leave, they go back and sit comfortably in air conditions without fulfilling those promises.

“All the people you see here may disappear into the forest for months if we are not invited again for discussions. You may only find small children left behind.”

Despite the warning, he expressed willingness to continue dialogue, provided previous agreements are respected.

“If you release our people, even if you call us to Katsina, we will come. We are not afraid to go anywhere, but we fear unfulfilled promises,” he said.