Kaduna Govt Offers Education, Healthcare To Bandits Under New Peace Plan
The Kaduna State Government says it is offering access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities to bandits instead of cash payments, as part of a new strategy to end years of killings and kidnappings in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this on Wednesday during a one-day workshop on Peace Journalism organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna Council, in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the state’s Ministry of Information.
Maiyaki explained that the approach, called the Kaduna Peace Model, marks a shift “from confrontation to conversation,” focusing on dialogue and development rather than force or financial incentives.
“You cannot bomb peace into existence; you must build it with trust,” he said.
He noted that after years of devastating violence, the government chose to tackle the social and economic causes of insecurity. The change in strategy came when leaders of armed groups appealed for the reopening of markets, schools, and healthcare centres that had been shut due to insecurity.
“We agreed because these are basic human needs, not ransom payments. We didn’t give them a dime. What we gave was life back to communities long abandoned,” Maiyaki said.
Between 2015 and 2023, Kaduna recorded 1,160 security incidents leading to 4,876 deaths, with thousands kidnapped or displaced. In 2021 alone, 1,192 people were killed and 3,348 abducted, forcing the closure of 142 schools and 192 health centres.
The commissioner said the new peace strategy, supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), prioritises intelligence sharing, dialogue, and socio-economic inclusion. Through the ONSA–Kaduna Peace Committee, over 500 hostages have reportedly been freed through negotiations “without ransom or the use of force.”
Maiyaki highlighted the reintegration of former bandit leaders such as Jan Bros and Yellow One Million, who now act as community peace mediators.
“The peace model works because it is owned by the people. Communities co-create peace instead of having it dictated by government,” he said.
According to him, the initiative has reclaimed over 500,000 hectares of farmland, with agricultural and commercial activities gradually returning to previously unsafe areas. Markets have reopened, and as many as 30 cattle trucks now travel weekly on routes once considered dangerous.
He described each reopened school, clinic, and market as “a victory over fear,” stressing that dialogue and inclusion had succeeded where military operations had failed.
“Our people wanted dignity, not pity. Once they saw sincerity, they embraced peace,” he added.
Maiyaki emphasised that the peace process is ongoing and involves traditional rulers, clerics, and community leaders to prevent a relapse into violence.
“Peace is cheaper, deeper, and more enduring when people have a stake in it,” he said. “The Kaduna experience proves that security without humanity is insecurity in disguise.”
Guest lecturer Dr. Fatima Shuaibu of Kaduna Polytechnic said Nigeria’s recurring conflicts stem from mismanaged diversity and leadership failure, urging journalists to promote unity-driven reporting.
Rev. Joseph Hayab, Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, also called on journalists to highlight stories that foster reconciliation and national healing.
“Media must be a bridge, not a barrier,” Hayab said. “Every story of peace you tell helps strengthen our shared humanity.”
NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel Chairperson, Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, said the workshop aimed to equip reporters with conflict-sensitive journalism skills and promote the Kaduna Peace Model as a tool for unity and development.
Recently, at least seven people were feared dead following clashes between suspected bandits and illegal miners in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, highlighting the fragile security situation in parts of the state.
KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS
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