Insecurity: Kaduna Gov’t rules out negotiations with bandits

From ​Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

​The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated a new Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Peace and Security Committee.
This initiative is designed to build upon the “Kaduna Peace Model” while aligning the state’s security efforts with Nigeria’s national DDR framework.
​The committee, inaugurated on Monday by Governor Senator Uba Sani, is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Mayere.
​“No Negotiations with Bandits”
​During the committee’s inaugural session, Dr. Mayere reaffirmed the administration’s hardline stance against criminal elements.
He dismissed any rumors of back-channel deals, stating:
​“The Governor has said repeatedly that Kaduna State does not negotiate with bandits.
“Our commitment is to build on the efforts of the Governor under the Kaduna Peace Model within the national framework on DDR.”
​While the state maintains a firm stance against negotiation, Dr. Mayere explained that force alone (the kinetic approach) is insufficient to resolve the state’s multidimensional security challenges.
​Using a medical analogy, he noted that “proper diagnosis” is the first step toward a cure.
The state’s strategy focuses on identifying the root causes and drivers of conflict, reopening essential services in formerly volatile areas and addressing poverty, land disputes, and social grievances.
​The SSG highlighted a significant turnaround in the state’s stability since the implementation of the Governor’s strategy.
He recalled that prior to these interventions over 500 primary schools were closed,
more than 50 primary healthcare centers were non-functional, and key regional markets were shut down.
​“Today, many of those markets have reopened, schools are operational, and children have regained access to basic education and healthcare,” Dr. Mayere added.
​Also speaking at the event, Dr. Paul Nyulaku, Technical Advisor on the DDR framework development process, clarified common misconceptions about the program.
He emphasized that DDR is not a blanket amnesty or a pardon for criminals.
​“DDR is a peacebuilding tool, not an escape route where persons who have committed crimes go to hide to escape punishment,” Dr. Nyulaku explained.
​It was gathered that only eligible groups may undergo deradicalization and receive training for alternative livelihoods.
​The committee includes representatives from the Ministries of Justice, Environment, and the Interfaith Bureau.
​Dr. Nyulaku noted that the strategy is already yielding results in the Birnin Gwari axis—a region once deemed inaccessible but now open for travel and commerce.
The committee is currently supported by the UK Strengthening Peace in Nigeria program to refine and scale these successes.