Gov. Uba Sani’s non-kinetic push in Kaduna and the urgent need to tackle bandit resurgence
By: Zagazola Makama
When Gov. Uba Sani recently dismissed allegations that his administration was paying ransom to bandits, he sought to reaffirm public confidence in his security approach.
The governor insisted that the non-kinetic efforts in parts of Kaduna State, particularly in Birnin Gwari, were driven by community leaders and had not involved financial inducements to criminals.
“We are not paying ransom to any bandit. The community leaders came up with the non-kinetic idea, and I listened to them. We have not paid one person a dime,” the governor declared, describing contrary claims as political propaganda.
Indeed, security watchers agree that Birnin Gwari has witnessed relative calm in recent months. The credit goes not only to local peace-building efforts but also to sustained operations by troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, working in synergy with other security agencies like the DSS, Police and the National Security Adviser.
However, the wider security landscape in Kaduna remains fragile. On Aug. 16, security analyst Zagazola Makama warned that banditry might return to the state following the killing of Musa Kachallah, a repentant bandit leader who had embraced peace.
Since his death, fresh waves of attacks have been reported across at least five local government areas, Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Kachia, Makarfi, and Kajuru with the Zaria–Kano highway also witnessing increased threats like armed robbery and banditry.
While Gov. Sani’s commitment to blending kinetic and non-kinetic strategies is commendable, analysts argue that the resurgence of attacks in these flashpoint LGAs demands urgent, coordinated action. Without a clear containment strategy, the fragile gains recorded in Birnin Gwari risk being undermined.
Experts recommend that the governor extend support to security agencies in these vulnerable LGAs, including the provision of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to secure entry points and enhance rapid response capabilities.
Security and Community engagement should also be deepened, ensuring that local leaders play an active role in both intelligence gathering and peace-building.
The debate is no longer about whether ransom is being paid, but about sustaining peace in one axis while preventing renewed chaos in others. How Gov. Sani balances this equation will determine whether Kaduna consolidates its fragile stability or slips back into cycles of violence.
