In recent years, the escalating violence in Nigeria’s northwestern states, particularly Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto has prompted state governors to explore various strategies to curb banditry and restore peace.
These approaches, ranging from dialogue to outright rejection of negotiations, reflect the complex dynamics and differing philosophies among northern leaders in addressing security challenges.
In this report, DAILY POST explores the various strategies employed by state governors of the affected states, with security experts giving their opinions on the issue.
Kaduna: Gov Uba Sani’s peace initiative
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has defended his administration’s decision to engage in peace talks with bandits terrorizing parts of the state.
He emphasized that the primary goal is to preserve lives and ensure peace. In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, the governor clarified that the decision followed six months of dialogue and did not involve any payments to the terrorists.
He stated, “We did not offer them any money. Not even one Naira was given to them. Our priority is to ensure that our people are safe and that there is peace in the state.”
This initiative has led to tangible outcomes. On November 29, 2024, Governor Sani received repentant bandits in Birnin Gwari and reopened a cattle market that had been closed for about a decade due to insecurity. The governor noted that several senior bandit leaders and their followers had laid down their arms and embraced peace.
Zamfara: Divergent approaches to ending banditry
In Zamfara State, approaches to dealing with banditry have evolved with change in leadership.
Former Governor, Bello Matawalle pursued dialogue with bandits as a means to end violence.
He insisted that dialogue was still very relevant in the fight against banditry and secured the release of 26 girls through such negotiations.
However, the current administration under Governor Dauda Lawal has taken a firm stance against negotiating with bandits.
Governor Lawal has reiterated that his administration will not engage in any negotiation with bandits terrorizing the state.
He emphasized that previous attempts at dialogue not only failed but also empowered the terrorists to become more daring.
The governor stated, “We still maintain the position that we will not negotiate with terrorists. Our administration has been unequivocal in its approach to addressing the security challenges facing our state.”
Comparing violence before and after truce
Prior to these peace initiatives, the aforementioned states experienced rampant banditry, including mass kidnappings, killings, and displacement of communities.
The Abuja-Kaduna highway, for instance, was notoriously referred to as the “highway of kidnapping” due to frequent abductions.
Following the truce in Kaduna State, there have been reports of reduced attacks in some areas, suggesting that dialogue can yield positive results.
However, the sustainability of these outcomes remains uncertain, as some bandit groups have reneged on agreements in the past.
Do northern leaders accept truce with terrorists?
Northern leaders have relied on varied options to tackle banditry in their states.
While governors like Uba Sani have embraced dialogue, others, such as Dauda Lawal rejected negotiations.
This divergence highlights the complexity of the issue. Many believe that while dialogue offers a non-violent avenue to peace, it also raises concerns about legitimizing criminality and the potential for bandits to exploit negotiations without genuine commitment to cease hostilities.
Expert’s insight
In an interview with DAILY POST, Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa, a retired Joint Task Force (JTF) commander, emphasized that security issues can be addressed either through dialogue or military action.
He acknowledged the merits of the Kaduna model but cautioned that the government must ensure that bandits remain true to their commitments.
“The Kaduna model is commendable,” he noted, “but the government should ensure the bandits stay true to their word.
“The decision by some northern governors to engage in dialogue with bandits reflects a strategic shift towards non-violent conflict resolution,” he said.
Wuduliwa believes while initial outcomes appear promising, the long-term success of these peace deals hinges on the sincerity of the bandits and the government’s ability to enforce agreements.
He insisted that it “remains imperative for authorities to balance dialogue with robust security measures to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.”
