By Habib BELLO Chikaji
Kudos to well-known Nigerian columnist Dele Sobowale for initiating a discussion on non-kinetic strategies in tackling insecurity on Sunday the 19th, 2025, in Vanguard and The Punch newspapers especially. However, this time his column glaringly missed the essence of this globally-recognized counter-terrorism approach: winning the hearts and minds of troubled communities to permanently neutralize insurgents’ influence; and even accept repentant terrorists under amnesty programmes, just for peace to reign.
Contrary to Sobowale’s flawed narrative, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani’s pragmatic approach is neither appeasement nor capitulation. It is a masterstroke of governance rooted in intelligence, collaboration, and strategic planning.
I didn’t expect Sobowale to have forgotten so soon, that since assuming office, the governor has voluntarily strengthened logistics for federal security agencies, supported intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and launched initiatives that disarmed bandits while empowering local communities economically. This holistic approach aligns with the United Nations’ emphasis on addressing root causes of conflict rather than relying solely on brute force.
I read a highly-objective analysis by a security expert in Leadership and Daily Trust newspapers by a security expert, taking on the Columnist for his intervention which, he said, conveniently ignored hard facts about alternative means of tackling terrorism in today’s Nigeria.
Sobowale’s fixation on outdated counterterrorism strategies ignores valuable lessons from global hotspots. In reality, governor Sani’s peace-building initiatives aim to break the cycle of violence, leveraging dialogue and fostering conditions for long-term security. If anything, these measures should be studied and replicated across other volatile regions in Nigeria. As a researcher in modern military art and warfare, this is one fact I have come to understand over the years.
Furthermore, Sobowale’s criticism conveniently sidesteps milestones achieved under this approach. The reopening of cattle markets in Birnin Gwari and Giwa, once paralyzed by fear, and the return of cultural festivals in Southern Kaduna, after years of cancellations due to insecurity, are testaments to the success of Sani’s strategy. Most notably, the Kaduna-Abuja road, once a symbol of terror, now sees commuters travelling safely, even at night.
Sobowale’s call for the Federal Government to curtail Uba Sani’s initiatives is misplaced. The governor’s strategy complements federal efforts, particularly under the Office of the National Security Adviser(NSA). In point of fact, the governor’s collaboration with the NSA’s office is an open secret that Sobowale can not say he is unaware of. Significantly, criticizing a leader committed to ending bloodshed and restoring peace trivializes the immense effort required to rebuild trust and secure lives.
It’s time critics like Sobowale recognize that true leadership transcends rhetoric. Uba Sani is walking his talk, delivering transformative policies that prioritize lives and livelihoods—ensuring that peace is achieved without a single shot fired.
Habib wrote from Sabon Gari LG of Kaduna State.