A peace deal between authorities and criminal gangs in Nigeria's Kaduna state has led to a decrease in deadly attacks and kidnappings, but concerns remain over the deal's sustainability. The state government signed the agreement in November to address the ongoing violence, but observers worry about the gangs' ability to keep their arms and the presence of jihadists in the region. The bandits, who pursue economic motives, have taken advantage of weak state presence in rural areas to assert their power. The deal requires the bandits to halt attacks on communities in exchange for military operations ceasing and herders being allowed to attend local markets.