The Kaduna State Government has reiterated its stance against negotiating with bandits, stating emphatically that no financial incentives were provided to the armed groups who recently surrendered their weapons.
Governor Uba Sani made this clear during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, following the state’s reception of repentant bandits in Birnin-Gwari on Thursday.
The governor emphasized that the decision of the bandits to surrender was a result of sustained engagement, not monetary deals.
“We did not give them one naira,” Governor Sani said.
“Most of them are tired.
We sat down with them and asked them, ‘Why do you continue to remain in the bush, attacking and kidnapping our people?’”
The event in Birnin-Gwari marks a significant step in addressing insecurity in the area.
Alongside receiving the repentant bandits, the state reopened the local cattle market, which had been closed for nearly a decade due to persistent violence.
Governor Sani described the disarmament process as a product of six months of negotiations involving federal security agencies and the office of the National Security Adviser.
“This is one of the most critical areas in terms of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency in the North-West,” the governor stated.
He further explained that the disarmament, mobilization, and reintegration of the repentant bandits are ongoing efforts to restore peace.
While the governor refrained from directly addressing whether forgiveness was granted to the bandits for their past crimes, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions.
Critics question the ethical implications of engaging with individuals responsible for atrocities, while others see it as a pragmatic step toward peace.
The Kaduna State Government has prioritized collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to build trust and foster long-term stability.
These efforts come amid the broader challenge of armed violence across northern Nigeria, which has been exacerbated by insurgency, banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts.
Kaduna’s approach reflects a shift from purely military strategies to include dialogue and community engagement.
However, the broader implications of such initiatives remain uncertain, particularly as Nigeria grapples with a humanitarian crisis fueled by insecurity.
UN agencies have warned that the violence could leave 33 million people facing acute food insecurity by next year.
As Kaduna continues its peacebuilding efforts, the success of these programs will depend on their ability to address the root causes of insecurity while ensuring justice and reconciliation for affected communities.