Expect Continued Violence if Labeled Terrorists – Ado Aleru Issues Warning

Last updated: Jun 15, 2025. 4:46 am

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Ado Aleru is a notorious bandit leader
Aleru declared that the violence perpetrated by his group would not cease as long as society continues to label them as terrorists.
Ado Aleru contended that labeling his group as terrorists and using other derogatory terms has hindered reconciliation efforts

Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit leader known for his involvement in violent attacks in Nigeria’s North-West region, has issued a chilling warning in a recent peace dialogue session in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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As reported by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, Aleru declared that the violence perpetrated by his group would not cease as long as society continues to label them as terrorists.

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Aleru’s statement highlighted the root causes of the ongoing violence, attributing it to years of neglect, marginalization, and systemic injustice faced by pastoralist communities in the region.

He argued that these factors have fueled the group’s actions and continue to exacerbate tensions between the bandit factions and other communities.

“If we are still being called terrorists, then do not expect us to stop behaving like terrorists,” Aleru was quoted as saying.

Expect Continued Violence if Labeled Terrorists - Ado Aleru Issues Warning

Ado Aleru contended that labeling his group as terrorists and using other derogatory terms has hindered reconciliation efforts and the pursuit of peaceful coexistence.

Aleru asserted that many young men involved in banditry were not born violent but were driven to armed conflict by circumstances beyond their control.

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

The dialogue in Danmusa is part of ongoing peace-building efforts coordinated by local authorities and security agencies to address the protracted security crisis in the North-West.