From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Nigerian military has adopted non-kinetic strategies to combat insurgency and banditry in Sokoto State, focusing on confidence-building and humanitarian outreach to gain community support.
Speaking during a medical outreach at Gidan Gabas Primary School in Sokoto on Tuesday, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, emphasised the importance of non-combat measures in addressing security challenges.
Represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Abiodun Bankole, Musa stated, “To solve the insecurity problem in the country, there is a need for non-kinetic efforts, possibly even more than kinetic (combat) measures.”
The military are conducting sensitisation outreaches across various theatres to build trust and foster cooperation with local communities. These initiatives include medical interventions, mosquito net distribution, school book donations, and other civilian support programmes.
“This is about confidence building. We want to demonstrate that the military is not an occupying force but a committed partner in the pursuit of peace and development,” Musa said. He underscored civilians’ critical role in providing intelligence, noting, “Without their support, we cannot achieve lasting peace. That’s why we must be on the same page.”
He urged communities to share information with the military rather than bandits, who often turn against their collaborators. “Let the people know that the military is here to serve and protect them,” he added.
Musa reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and reclaiming territories threatened by insurgency, emphasising that peace is essential for development. Major General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding 8 Division, praised the CDS’s leadership philosophy, stating, “Real success in asymmetric warfare lies not only in tactical gains but in winning the hearts and minds of the people.”
Ajose affirmed the Division’s people-focused strategy, aligning with the non-kinetic approach.