By James Adamu
The disturbing security situation in some parts of Nigeria, mainly the northern region, indeed calls for concerns from well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians. However, most commenters and writers often run commentaries without adequate knowledge about the field of play in the theatre of war. Many of them sadly rely on news reports that are often sensationalized or outright misrepresentation of facts.
One of such could be observed in the piece published over the weekend by a seasoned newspaper columnist, Dele Sobowale, titled, “Bandits: FG should stop Kaduna Governor. In the piece, Sobowale viewed the well-meaning efforts of Governor Sani from the prism of past events, particularly how some former governors handled the bandits’ issues that, according to him, turned out disastrous.
He should have at least assessed how Governor Uba Sani has been handling the security and other issues in the state before now. Governor Sani is a man in his own class, who has demonstrated great courage and dexterity in handling matters that have defied solutions in the state. As a matter of fact, the capacity he has displayed so far, has made him the darling and the exemplary model for many states in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
Though, he alluded to the capacity of Governor Sani saying, “Hitherto, I have commended the governor, who was managing a totally broken state, which he inherited from el-Rufai, with dexterity. He has not allowed a huge debt burden to weigh down government’s programmes. And, he has been doing his best to mend the cracks in ethnic relationships which characterised Kaduna State for eight years. I still stand by those comments”, however, he derailed by delving into an area he has little knowledge of.
Now, deconstructing the wrong notion advanced by Sobowale suggests that a non-kinetic approach to resolve banditry and other violent crimes is a sign of weakness. Nothing could be farther from the truth, it is a standard practice globally that multiple strategies are deployed in winning battles. While troops will continue combat with unrepentant bandits who are out to undermine the corporate integrity of the nation, many who were conscripted into the evil force and those who were cajoled to take up arms against the state can be reformed and be integrated into the society if they are still redeemable.
More so, intelligence gathering efforts are enhanced by infiltrating the ranks and files of the bandits. The valuable data and information extracted from the repentant bandits can also be useful in strategy formulation for the security agencies that will further deal a great blow to the enemies.
Though the concerns of Sobowale in the light of previous failed attempts were valid, his expression and opinion that “only useful bandit is the one” is rather weird and outrightly counterproductive to curtaining the peace efforts and restoring normalcy to many ravaged communities.
Needless to say that curbing banditry is a tea party. The security agencies, using a multi-attacks approach are decimating the enemies in their thousands, and these efforts will be sustained through combined collaborative efforts of the Federal Government and the Kaduna State government and other partners.
Sobowale’s alarmist disposition is utterly worrisome. Why should the Federal Government stop Governor Uba Sani, who has shown over and again that he is ready to collaborate with the Federal security agencies in winning the war against banditry and terrorism? Under his watch, the local security outfits were accorded the necessary support required for their efficiency.
More importantly, the governor has the constitutional role and duty to protect the people. He swore to ensure security of life, properties and the entire well-being of the people. So, Sobowale’s warped advice or insinuation that he should abdicate outrightly to the Federal Government is ill-advised. The Federal has no geographic space he could call its own, perhaps except the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the wellbeing of the people of Kaduna is centrally the major duty of the governor.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibrahim Musa, had emphasized that the state government, in collaboration with some federal agencies, established The Peace Dialogue Group, which then developed the ‘Kaduna Model,’ seen generally as a comprehensive framework for sustainable peace and security, in the Daily Trust report which Sobowale used as basis of his writing.
Mallam Musa said: “This model will include disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, alongside investments in rural development and conflict resolution. It is a holistic approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.
“The model entails engaging stakeholders tirelessly. This non-kinetic approach led to numerous meetings and extensive discussions, culminating in building bridges of trust, which made several senior bandit leaders to lay down their arms and embrace peace, along with their followers.”
It is imperative to stress that Governor Sani’s innovative method integrates peacebuilding efforts with strategic development initiatives, offering a sustainable alternative to force-based solutions.
One of the most significant achievements under the Kaduna Model is the restoration of peace in Birnin Gwari, a region once synonymous with banditry and insecurity. Through sustained dialogue facilitated by the Peace Dialogue Group, an initiative of the Kaduna State Government in collaboration with federal agencies and security services, the area has witnessed a remarkable transformation.
Following the security model, this has led to economic revival, with the reopening Birnin Gwari Market, which had been closed for nearly a decade, has become a symbol of the region’s recovery. This vital hub for trade and commerce resumed operations on November 29, 2024, attracting traders and buyers from across the state
Community engagement has also been deepened. Local leaders, residents, and security agencies have been actively involved in rebuilding trust and fostering a sense of collective responsibility for peace.
Similarly, the Kidandan Market in Giwa Local Government Area, which had been dormant due to insecurity, has been reopened, signaling a broader return of stability and economic activity across Kaduna State.
Central to the success of the Kaduna Model is the Peace Dialogue Group, a platform that brings together diverse stakeholders to address grievances, mediate conflicts, and build consensus. The group’s efforts have been greatly beneficial. Engaging with community leaders, local vigilantes, and even individuals previously involved in criminal activities to lay down arms and embrace peaceful coexistence.
Another winning strategy is strengthening the relationship between security forces and local communities, ensuring mutual trust and cooperation, and providing platforms for dialogue has empowered communities to take ownership of their security and development.
The reopening of markets in areas like Birnin Gwari and Kidandan is more than a logistical achievement; it is a profound symbol of restored hope and resilience. For years, these markets lay dormant as insecurity forced traders and buyers to flee.
Sobowale, and other social commentators in his mould should endeavour to seek more information and data about the activities of government before taking positions that could have a far-reaching impact on the society.
• Adamu writes from Kaduna State