Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division

Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army’s 1 Division, under its current operational concept, is making remarkable strides in securing peace and stability across its area of responsibility, employing a blend of non-kinetic initiatives alongside its kinetic operations, a strategy that is delivering measurable and sustainable results.

1 Division, under the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YANMA, Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has made significant strides in securing its area of responsibility, dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing kidnapped victims, and strengthening civil-military relations. The non-kinetic approach which focuses on reconciliation, dialogue, civic engagement, and fostering collaboration with community stakeholders is turning the tide in the battle against terrorism and criminal activity in Kaduna state.

This Kinetic and non Kinetic initiative, implemented under the guidance of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede and supported by the Kaduna State Government as well as Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, is not only dismantling the 12 year long bandits operational structures but also addressing the root causes of violence, adding a human dimension to the Nigerian Military campaigns.

This innovative approach has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 16 terrorist kingpins, many previously considered hardline elements. Among those who chose peace over conflict were Dogo Gide, Yellow Jambros, Kwolomeri, Alhaji Labi, Biliya, Gwamna, and Kabiru Boderi the younger brother and eventual successor to the infamous terrorist leader, Boderi Isyaku. These individuals turned in their weapons alongside their promises to pursue peace and disassociate themselves from violence. Scores of the bandits terrorising not less than five local government areas agreed to drop their arms and discontinue their reign of terror in and around the state.

The bandits are known to terrorise Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa and Birnin Gwari local government areas. They have also terrorised communities and major highways, such as the Kaduna-Abuja highway, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway, as well as the Funtua-Birnin Gwari road.

This policy of reconciliation and dialogue further opened the way for the unconditional release of 559 kidnapped victims, many of whom had been held under harrowing conditions for months. Among the victims freed was Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a consultant with the National Eye Center in Kaduna, whose continued detention had previously triggered a warning strike by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), reflecting the growing concern for their colleague’s safety.

While employing these non-kinetic measures, the division kept up strong operational pressure against terrorist formations and collaborators. This resulted in the neutralization of numerous high-profile terrorist suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and equipment 175 weapons, including PKMGs, AK-47s, G3s, alongside 4,346 rounds of various calibers of ammunition.

Furthermore, a total of 169 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued, while 260 stolen livestock 146 of them cows, were recovered and subsequently handed back to their respective owners. Large quantities of food items, solar equipment, and other logistics previously held by the terrorist groups were also recovered. Suspected collaborators were identified and handed over to relevant authorities for further investigation.

The 1 Div of the Nigerian Army headquartered in Kaduna, coordinating the operations of lower formations across the Northwest, has, all along, commanded the operations of the ground troops combating the global-scale menace in the Northwest, in collaboration and synergy with the Air Task Force component of the military, the government of Kaduna State and other security agencies.

The Nigerian military peace restoration efforts have ensured that areas which use to be the flashpoint in the axis Kuriga, Manini Chikun, Pole Wire, Birnin Gwari, Ungwan Namama, Kwalba, Rafin Dawa Dende,Ungwan Madaki, Buruku, Udawa,  Doka, Maganda, Dogon Dawa, Sabon Layi-Kuriga-Maganda-Farin Ruwa, Sabon Birni, Kuyelo,Farin Ruwa, Damba to Kangon Kadi, Labi,Udawa river Apewohe, Dakwala and Kunai among others, were all cleared.

The troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA’s exploits also led to death of many terrorists, in Maidaro, Kagi Hill, Kusharki, Zartake, Ungwan Lima Riyawa, Tungan Madaki, Gengere,Kaso Gwagwada-Chikun-Sarkin Pawa Kidandan, Giwa LGA. Galadimawa, Dogon Dawa, Saulawa, Maidaro, Maganda, Goron Dutse, Sararai, Kushaka, Kuriga, and Yelwa among others.

Maj.-Gen. Lander Saraso, has reaffirmed that
this combination of non-kinetic initiatives alongside strong operational pressure has fostered greater collaboration and understanding within the communities, disrupted the operations of the terrorist groups, and significantly improved the overall security climate in Kaduna state.

Additionally, the 1 Division facilitated extensive free medical outreaches in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities, strengthening relationships between the military and the populace, and fostering understanding and unity. Traditional, religious, and market leaders were engaged through peace meetings, while initiatives like the Football for Peace Tournament held in collaboration with Simoiben Football Academy fostered reconciliation amongst the youth, many of whom are vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups. Public speaking engagements were also used to educate the youth on their role in securing their future emphasizing peace, unity, education, and civic responsibility.

The Nigerian Army under 1 Division remain committed to employing all available means including dialogue, reconciliation, education, civic engagement, and decisive action to consolidate peace and enable the eventual return to normalcy and stability in the region.

According to him, the division’s approach stands as a clear affirmation that peace cannot be won by force alone, but through understanding, dialogue, justice, and compassion.

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

Nigerian Army’s non-kinetic approach yielding significant results under 1 Division