Nigerian anti-cult activist Akin Okunowo, popularly known as Aluta, has criticised the federal and state governments for what he described as “shameless peace deals” with terrorists and bandits, accusing authorities of failing in their duty to protect citizens.

Speaking during his #AntiCultLessons series on Saturday, Okunowo expressed outrage over the continued policy of granting amnesty to armed groups despite repeated breaches of such agreements.

He cited the recent abduction of residents in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State by bandits, despite an existing peace deal, as evidence that such arrangements only embolden criminals.

“Let’s call a spade a spade,” he said. “The Nigerian government at all levels is expected to defend citizens against terrorist groups and criminal invaders. Instead, they are granting questionable amnesty and freedom under the guise of calling them repentant bandits. Who counselled and certified them as repentant terrorists? We don’t understand, and the government is not talking.”

Okunowo accused security forces of negligence, alleging that they often arrive late—or not at all—when attacks occur.
“Our security forces only respond promptly to areas where communities have signed peace deals with terrorists. In other places, they come late or they don’t show up at all. What then is the justification for collecting taxes when lives and properties are not protected?” he asked.

The activist also drew parallels between terrorism and cultism, warning that many bandits are embedded within organised cult networks that now operate beyond campuses, extending into street gangs, religious sects, and communities nationwide.

“The government must prioritise the protection of lives and properties,” he stressed. “Nigerians cannot continue to live like this. Responsible governance means ensuring security, not negotiating with terrorists.”

Okunowo urged the federal government to adopt stronger, people-centred security strategies anchored on transparency, accountability, and decisive leadership. Using the hashtags #WeAreAllVictims and #OurVoiceCount, he called on Nigerians to demand better protection from their leaders.

His comments come shortly after a controversial peace meeting in Faskari, Katsina State, where local leaders engaged directly with a wanted bandit kingpin, Ado Alero, and dozens of armed herders. A video of the meeting showed participants openly carrying rifles and ammunition during discussions with community leaders.

During the meeting, Alero admitted that hostilities worsened after one of his followers was arrested without explanation, despite efforts to resolve the matter through local and state authorities. Another participant, Fulani herder Kwashé Garwa, condemned the stereotyping of Fulani as bandits, insisting that criminality cuts across all ethnic groups.

Okunowo, however, maintained that Nigeria’s survival depends not on secretive negotiations with violent groups but on decisive government action to protect lives and restore public trust.