Military Diplomacy Campaign to Communities Across Nigeria, As Peace and Stability Gradually Return to Many Communities in Katsina State

By Anthonia N Okwuolise, Abuja,

In a significant move towards restoring lasting peace and rebuilding trust between security agencies and affected communities, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabi Musa set up a high-powered delegation from the Defence Headquarters, led by Brigadier General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi, on Thursday, 24 April 2025, embarked on a peace and diplomacy campaign across several Local Government Areas and communities in Katsina State, once ravaged by banditry and insurgent activities.

The visit, which focused on direct interaction with community leaders, residents, and local government authorities, provided an opportunity to assess first-hand the progress made through the military’s non-kinetic (peacebuilding) strategies aimed at stabilizing the Northwest region of Nigeria.

The delegation, which moved across Batsari and Dutsinma Local Government Areas, witnessed firsthand the slow but steady return of normalcy to communities once abandoned due to insecurity. Markets that had remained closed for months due to fear of attacks have now reopened. Local traders are gradually returning to their stalls, and displaced residents who fled their ancestral homes are steadily making their way back to rebuild their lives.

Economic and commercial activities, once crippled by the reign of terror, are gradually being revived, thanks largely to the tireless efforts of the Nigerian military, particularly the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, under the effective leadership of Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola. Their continuous military and peacebuilding operations have significantly reduced banditry in the areas.

Speaking during the interactive sessions, Brigadier General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi emphasized that the military’s non-kinetic initiatives in the Northwest are beginning to yield visible and tangible results. According to him, beyond direct combat operations, strategic peace dialogues, mediation efforts, and humanitarian outreach programs have played a major role in addressing the root causes of the conflict.

He cited the success stories from neighboring Zamfara State, where peace dialogues facilitated by the military between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers have successfully curbed retaliatory attacks, fostered better community relations, and revived agricultural activities in many rural areas. He added that, similarly in Katsina State, the military’s engagement with local stakeholders has led to the surrender of several repentant bandits, who have laid down their arms and are currently undergoing structured reintegration programs back into society.

Brigadier General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi further noted that the military, recognizing that security challenges are deeply intertwined with socio-economic issues, has rolled out numerous humanitarian and community development initiatives. These include medical outreach programs that have provided essential healthcare services to thousands, the renovation and rehabilitation of schools across Katsina and Kaduna States, and the establishment of vocational training centers specializing in tailoring, welding, and agricultural skills acquisition. The aim, he said, is to empower young people and reduce their vulnerability to recruitment by criminal groups.

Highlighting the achievements of key military operations, General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi pointed out that through Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, the military has neutralized approximately 1,770 bandits, arrested 3,073 suspected criminals, and rescued 2,515 civilians held captive across the region. Additionally, security forces have recovered no fewer than 1,085 firearms and over 11,600 rounds of live ammunition during various clearance operations.

During the engagements, the Vice Chairman of Batsari Local Government Area, Hashim Bello, who spoke passionately, described the devastating impact of the bandits’ hit-and-run tactics, which often left behind a trail of death, destruction, and the theft of livestock. However, he expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army for their consistent support, quick response to distress calls, and collaboration with community members to strengthen security.

According to Bello, “We have truly suffered, but we thank the Army for their consistent support. Whenever attacks occur, they respond swiftly and decisively. We are hopeful for a brighter future, Insha’Allah, because of the Army’s commitment to our safety and wellbeing.”

The District Head of Wagini, Alhaji Dikko Ma’azu, also lent his voice, stressing the urgent need for systemic solutions to address the farmer-herder conflict that has historically fueled insecurity in the region. He advocated for the establishment of ranching and settlement programs such as the Ruga initiative, noting that open grazing often leads to disputes over land use between farmers and herders.

Alhaji Ma’azu commended the military for their efforts over the past six months, which he said have resulted in remarkable improvements in security. He encouraged community members to support the military’s peace initiatives by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities promptly. He also applauded the military’s strategy of directly engaging with community stakeholders, describing it as critical to building trust and ensuring sustainable peace.

Several other community leaders echoed similar sentiments. They praised the military’s resilience, noting that a growing number of displaced persons have returned home and have even reconciled with former bandits who have embraced the path of peace. However, concerns were raised about continued incursions by armed bandits crossing over from neighboring Zamfara State, particularly targeting villages rich in gold deposits, indicating the economic motivations behind some attacks.

The community leaders passionately appealed to the military and the federal government to intensify border patrols and prevent such infiltrations, emphasizing that the protection of mineral-rich communities must be prioritized to forestall future conflicts.

In areas like Batsari and Dutsinma, families who had been displaced for months or even years are reclaiming their farmlands, restarting businesses, reopening local schools, and living peacefully in their ancestral homes once again. Children can now be seen attending classes, traders are setting up their shops, and farmers are returning to their fields, strong indicators that life is gradually returning to normal.

The success of the military diplomacy campaign would not have been possible without the critical support and planning provided by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabi Musa, while Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, under the leadership of Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola, who ensured the safety, smooth coordination, and successful movement of the delegation across the affected areas. Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola’s leadership, professionalism, and dedication to duty were highly commended throughout the tour.

Overall, the military’s non-kinetic approach, alongside traditional military operations, is gradually restoring hope to communities long devastated by conflict. The ongoing engagement efforts and sustained peacebuilding initiatives have created a new window of opportunity for lasting peace, security, and development across Katsina State and the wider Northwest region.

As the military continues to work hand-in-hand with local leaders, state authorities, and federal agencies, there is a renewed optimism that the days of fear and insecurity may soon give way to an era of peace, prosperity, and communal harmony across the country.