A notorious bandit leader, Ado Aleru, has issued a chilling warning to Nigerian authorities and society, stating that continued labelling of his group as “terrorists” will only sustain the violence ravaging communities in the North-West.

Aleru, who is wanted by security agencies, made the declaration during a peace dialogue session held in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, where he spoke on behalf of his group.

“As long as we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” he warned bluntly.

Defending the actions of his armed group, Aleru claimed many young men were driven into banditry by years of neglect, injustice, and unresolved grievances.

He said their decision to take up arms was not born out of hatred but survival.

“Our parents are not happy with what we are doing, and even we do not truly want this life in our hearts,” he said.

“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 stressed that peace could only be achieved if government authorities and the public stop stigmatising them, adding that mutual respect and honest engagement were the keys to restoring trust.

Aleru called for genuine reconciliation and reintegration, insisting that derogatory labels only deepen mistrust and hostility.

The dialogue session in Danmusa is part of ongoing peace-building initiatives between security agencies, local authorities, and armed groups in an effort to curb persistent violence in the region.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and government officials are said to be intensifying efforts to secure lasting peace in the North-West, a region long plagued by deadly clashes between armed groups and security forces.