Kaduna State launches disarmament and reintegration committee to combat insecurity

Kaduna State is taking a significant step towards lasting peace with the inauguration of its State Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration, Peace and Security Committee. Governor Uba Sani's administration has demonstrated the necessary political will to establish this crucial body, marking a pioneering effort at the subnational level in Nigeria, with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre. This initiative signifies a robust commitment to moving beyond reactive security measures towards a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to peacebuilding.

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Not too long ago, Kaduna State stood at a precarious crossroads. Criminal elements had entrenched themselves across vast swathes of our territory. Our highways became theatres of fear, our rural communities lived under constant threat, and economic activity was severely constrained. The Kaduna–Abuja corridor and the Birnin Gwari axis, once vital arteries of movement and commerce, became emblematic of insecurity.

Governor Sani eloquently articulated the dire security situation Kaduna faced not long ago, describing highways turned into 'theatres of fear' and rural communities living under constant threat. The economic paralysis and pervasive insecurity, particularly along the Kaduna-Abuja corridor and the Birnin Gwari axis, demanded decisive action. His administration's response has been multi-faceted, acknowledging that force alone is insufficient. The 'Kaduna Peace Model' integrates kinetic operations with non-kinetic strategies, addressing the root causes of conflict such as poverty, social exclusion, and lack of educational and economic opportunities.

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From the very outset, we resolved that the challenge of insecurity would not be approached with resignation, but with clarity, courage and innovation.

The emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation, as highlighted by the governor, is particularly noteworthy. This is not seen as a sign of weakness but as a 'strategic instrument of stability.' By engaging with community leaders, traditional institutions, and even 'repentant actors,' the state aims to rebuild trust and foster a sense of shared responsibility for peace. This approach resonates deeply within Nigerian society, where community cohesion and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms often play a vital role.

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In confronting these realities, we have combined robust security operations with deliberate investments in human development, dialogue and community engagement.

Ambassador Abimbola Wonosikou of the National Counter Terrorism Centre rightly identified the committee's inauguration as a 'critical milestone.' While security operations have improved safety and restored economic activity, the establishment of this DDR committee signals a forward-looking strategy. It acknowledges that reintegrating individuals affected by conflict and addressing the underlying grievances are essential for preventing the resurgence of violence. This holistic approach, championed by Governor Sani, positions Kaduna as a potential model for other states grappling with similar security challenges, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of peacebuilding that goes beyond mere enforcement.

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It is in this context that we embraced dialogue—not as a concession, but as a strategic instrument of stability.