Katsina Launches DDR Committee to Promote Peace and Reintegration Efforts

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Government has launched a new Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Peace and Security Committee to oversee peace‑building and non‑kinetic security initiatives within the state.

The committee, created under the Office of the National Security Adviser, was inaugurated by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda in the red chamber of Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.

During the ceremony, Radda explained that the committee is part of a national framework developed by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with the United Kingdom Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (UK‑SPRING) programme.

Mr Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, will head the committee. It is expected to foster sustainable peace and stability across the state.

Radda said Katsina was chosen as a pilot state because of its dedication to community‑driven security engagement and its preference for non‑violent methods of addressing insecurity.

The DDR framework aims to facilitate the disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals and groups who wish to abandon violence and adopt peaceful coexistence.

He outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include advising the state government and the security council on disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, peace‑building and security coordination.

“The committee is mandated to oversee the profiling, screening, rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant individuals, while also advising the government on peace‑building and security coordination,” he said.

The governor urged the committee to submit regular reports and to work closely with relevant stakeholders to carry out its mandate.

He called on committee members to perform their duties with dedication, professionalism and commitment in order to secure lasting peace in the state.

Radda praised the collaboration between the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the UK‑SPRING Programme and DDR experts in supporting the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Faskari assured the governor that the members would adhere strictly to the mandate and maintain professionalism in delivering sustainable peace outcomes.