Why banditry may be returning to Kaduna exposes flaws in state government’s peace process

By: Zagazola Makama

The fragile peace in Kaduna State is once again under severe threat as banditry resurfaces along critical highways and rural communities, reviving old concerns over the sincerity and effectiveness of the state government’s amnesty programme.

The killing of Musa Kachallah, a repentant bandit leader who had renounced crime and embraced peace, has once again drawn attention to the uncertain security condition in Kaduna State.

Kachallah, once feared across parts of Chikun Local Government Area, had turned his back on violence, committing himself to community reconciliation. Respected by villagers in Tsohon Gaya for his peace efforts, he became a visible symbol of transformation. His assassination on Aug. 3, however, shattered that image and reignited fears that peace in Kaduna may only be skin-deep.

According to security and community sources, the killing was as calculated as it was cruel. At about 1023 hours on the fateful day, a group of bandits arrived at Kachallah’s residence disguised as friendly visitors. In keeping with local tradition, he welcomed them, offering food and pleasantries. But when night fell, their intentions became clear. At about 1145 hours, sporadic gunshots erupted, sending commotion across the settlement. By the time security personnel arrived, the assailants had disappeared into the surrounding bush.

Among those present during the attack was Shayibu Madugo, a known associate of another bandit figure, Gurgu. One of the assailants, identified as Mallau, was also injured and is reportedly receiving treatment at a secret medical location. Kachallah’s remains were laid to rest the following morning at 1005 hours on Aug. 4, in line with Islamic rites.

The killing goes beyond one man’s death. For months, Kachallah had worked to dissuade youths from taking up arms, urging them to abandon kidnapping and cattle rustling. Residents say he was genuine in his repentance, often standing as a mediator in local disputes.
Now, his silencing has not only discouraged others who might have considered laying down their weapons but also emboldened hardline factions opposed to peace.

It is believed that the killing has inspired retaliatory violence from bandit groups, especially those who perceive the state’s amnesty as insincere or biased. Already, since the killing, security reports indicated that bandits have intensified activities around Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi on the Zaria–Kano highway, and Kajuru Local Government Areas and most recently the Abuja–Kaduna road, where a journalist was kidnapped on Friday. Already the authorities have stepped up daily patrol efforts at the Rigasa station line amid suspected security threats.

The resurgence of these pockets of attacks threatens the steady peace that was recorded within the past months in Kaduna, a once epicentre of kidnapping-for-ransom in Nigeria.

Despite these troubling developments, many security stakeholders and residents accuse the state government of complacency. Governor Uba Sani’s much-publicised “Kaduna Model” of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration has been described as a charade, lacking structure, transparency, and credibility.

Unlike amnesty programmes in other volatile regions, Kaduna’s initiative has been criticised for its lack of coordination, strategic framework, absence of community participation, and failure to provide genuine rehabilitation for repentant fighters. While the governor publicly received “repentant bandits” earlier this year and promised international-standard reintegration, there is little on the ground to suggest any concrete plan.

Security sources note that there were no individual risk assessments to differentiate hardened commanders from coerced foot soldiers. No verifiable rehabilitation or livelihood programmes were implemented. No sustainable monitoring structure was set up to ensure compliance. Worst of it, no disarmament programmes was set up to receive arms from the bandits, in most cases, they come without their weapons and go back to their enclaves after every engagement. The programme appeared to have been driven by political optics rather than strategic intent. The killing of Kachallah has now exposed these gaps, with many bandits perceiving the process as betrayal rather than reconciliation.

On the ground, it is the Nigerian Army troops under 1 Division, NAF, the Police with critical support from the DSS that have held the line in places like Birnin Gwari and Chikun, and other part of the state, neutralizing armed groups and securing major corridors. But the military alone cannot guarantee lasting peace without political leadership and state-level initiatives.

Police formations, for instance, remain under-equipped, with most of their patrol vehicles grounded. Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) are unavailable, leaving major entry points into Kaduna unprotected. Despite persistent requests, the state government has not provided critical logistics to complement security operations.

Multiple sources allege that Governor Uba Sani rarely convenes security meetings or reads situation reports. Unlike his counterparts in North Western Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi or Borno in the North East, who are known for prioritising security and directly engaging with security agencies, Sani is accused of disengagement and indifference.

According to the sources, the governor hardly picks calls, responds to urgent messages, or visits attack scenes or victims and their families. His most visible involvement in security matters has been receiving rescued victims handed over by the Office of the National Security Adviser, a role seen more as ceremonial than operational. Besides, Governor Uba Sani mostly operates his state from Abuja.

This disconnect has widened the gap between the state government and frontline security agencies. It has also eroded public trust, leaving rural communities to question whether the state truly has a strategy for peace.

Kaduna’s worsening security point to the collapse of the so-called amnesty programme and the absence of strong political leadership. The failure to build a credible framework for dialogue, reintegration, and rehabilitation has emboldened bandits who now see the state as weak and divided.

The bitter reality is that, while the military and other security agencies continues to make sacrifices to hold the line, the Kaduna State Government has failed to complement these efforts. Peace is fragile, and with bandits regaining confidence, the state risks sliding back into the dark years of mass abductions and rural terror.

The assassination has reopened old wounds. It has exposed once more that peace in the state rests not on a solid foundation, but on fragile promises and the overstretched efforts of security forces.

Unless the state government takes security issues beyond rhetoric by complementing security agencies to stamp out banditry, the region could again descend into unchecked violence.

The question is no longer whether the government’s amnesty will work, but whether Governor Uba Sani truly cares enough to take ownership of the security in his state.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Why banditry may be returning to Kaduna exposes flaws in state government’s peace process

By: Michael Mike

MSF Expresses Worries Over Rising Cases of Cholera in Zamfara

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), otherwise known as Doctors Without Borders has expressed concern over the rising number of cholera cases in Zamfara State, citing high

number of cases from three of the state’s Ministry of Health (MOH) medical

facilities it supports.

In a statement on Thursday, it said from mid-June to early August, the medical

humanitarian organisation has recorded over 1,500 cases in these facilities, while other humanitarian actors and the MOH have also reported high incidence rates in other parts of the state.

MSF’s medical coordinator in Nigeria, Dr. David Kizito said: “This outbreak is unfolding in a context of insecurity, displacement, and limited access to clean water and sanitation – exacerbated by the rainy season.”

The MSF stated that “while cholera has been endemic to Nigeria for decades, seasonal outbreaks typically intensify between April and October. Flooding during this period contaminates water sources, accelerating the spread of the disease in areas with poor sanitation. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to rapid dehydration and even death within hours. In response to the outbreak, MSF has scaled up its water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions and promotional activities alongside other humanitarian actors and the state MOH – which activated a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on 3 July.

The statement added that: “In mid-June, following the first suspected case of choleraat an MSF-supported medical facility, the organisation increased its case management and surveillance response in Zamfara, in addition to its scaled-up WASH activities. In Zurmi, MSF and other humanitarian actors supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment centre (CTC) in Zurmi General Hospital. In July, MSF supported the MOH in opening a cholera treatment unit (CTU) at the Talata Mafara General Hospital and a CTC at Shinkafi General Hospital.

“In the Zurmi CTC, medical teams reported 562 suspected cases of cholera – the majority from Yambuki, Kadamusa, and Zurmi town – between 16 June and 5 August.

“In Shinkafi General Hospital, medical teams recorded approximately 401 cases between 11 July and 5 August. The most affected areas were in Shinkafi North Ward, especially within Alkalawa, Sabon Gari and Kurya. Fifty-eight cases originated from Isa LGA in Sokoto State.

“And in the Talata Mafara CTU, over 600 cases were recorded between 1 July and 8 August. Kayaye accounted for the highest percentage of cases, but the CTU received cases as far as LGAs like Anka and Bakura.

“Going forward, MSF is worried there will be more cases.”

“As cholera continues to threaten lives across Zamfara, MSF remains committed to working alongside communities, health authorities, and other partners to ensure timely treatment, prevention, and support,” Dr. Kizito said. “MSF emphasises the importance of setting up decentralised oral rehydration points and enabling all existing primary healthcare centres to treat mild and moderate suspected cholera cases. This will ensure timely treatment, reduce complications, and allow prompt referral to dedicated CTCs in hospitals such as Zurmi, Shinkafi, and Talata. Moreover, urgent cholera vaccination is needed to halt transmission and save lives. The participation of everyone in Zamfara is needed to reduce the spread. No one should die from a preventable disease.”

MSF Expresses Worries Over Rising Cases of Cholera in Zamfara

NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’ Hitch-free By-election

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 20,850 officers and men to ensure a hitch-free by-election across 16 constituencies in 12 states on Saturday.

The Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, assured the public of the Corps’ readiness to ensure the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, secure election materials, safeguard officials and monitor the whole election process in synergy with the Nigeria Police who is the lead agency in Election Duty Operations.

Audi hinted the newsmen at the National Headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja, reiterating that the conduct of the by-election would be under adequate security and without hitch.

He urged the eligible voters to come out massively and vote for the candidates of their choice as a symbol of their franchise and fundamental rights.

The NSCDC Boss noted that all State Commandants within the 12 States where the election would be conducted have been adequately briefed with emphasis on Professionalism, respect for citizen’s Fundamental Human Rights and commitment to ensuring a peaceful conduct of election.

He said: “As declared by the Election regulatory body INEC, there would be by-election to fill 2 Senatorial Seats, 5 Federal Constituencies and 9 State Constituencies; you are here by directed to work in collaborations with relevant sisters security agencies within Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger and all States where the by-election would be held”.

NSCDC Deploys 20,850 Personnel for Saturday’ Hitch-free By-election