The Kaduna State Government vehemently refutes a report by SB Morgen, a geopolitical research firm, which ranked Kaduna among the states with the highest kidnapping incidents in Nigeria. The government dismisses the report as false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the progress made under Governor Uba Sani’s administration. The report claimed that 629 people were abducted in Kaduna between July 2024 and June 2025, a figure the government categorically denies. Instead, the government highlights the significant improvements in security achieved through the Kaduna Peace Model, emphasizing the return of peace to troubled areas, the reopening of previously closed markets, and the revitalization of agricultural activities.
The Kaduna Peace Model, lauded by the government as a success story endorsed by security agencies and stakeholders, is presented as the cornerstone of the state’s security strategy. This multi-faceted approach combines kinetic operations, such as arrests and dismantling of criminal hideouts, with non-kinetic initiatives, including community engagement, dialogue, and reintegration programs for repentant bandits. The government asserts that this holistic strategy addresses both the immediate symptoms and the root causes of insecurity, leading to a substantial decline in criminal activities. The reopening of livestock markets in Birnin Gwari and Giwa, shuttered for over a decade due to insecurity, serves as a tangible testament to the effectiveness of the peace model, according to the government.
Contrary to the SB Morgen report, the Kaduna State Government maintains that the security situation has significantly improved. They point to the success of security operations in April, which resulted in the arrest of 54 high-profile suspects and the rescue of over 75 kidnap victims. These achievements, the government argues, underscore the commitment and effectiveness of security forces in combating crime and ensuring the safety of citizens. The ongoing prosecutions of arrested suspects further demonstrate the government’s resolve to bring perpetrators to justice.
The government accuses SB Morgen of publishing sensationalized and irresponsible reports that could demoralize security personnel diligently working to protect communities. They urge media organizations and researchers to exercise caution and avoid disseminating information that contradicts the reality on the ground. Instead, the government appeals for responsible reporting that supports the ongoing efforts to promote peace and security. The government’s emphatic response aims to counter the negative narrative presented by the SB Morgen report and reassure citizens of their commitment to their safety and well-being.
The Kaduna State Government emphasizes the multifaceted nature of its security strategy, highlighting not only the kinetic operations against criminal elements but also the crucial role of non-kinetic approaches. The establishment of the Kaduna Peace Dialogue Group, which facilitates negotiation and reintegration of repentant bandits, is showcased as a key element of this strategy. This platform, according to the government, allows for dialogue and reconciliation, offering a pathway for those willing to renounce violence to reintegrate into society. The government believes that this approach, coupled with socio-economic empowerment and youth development initiatives, is crucial in addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and building sustainable peace.
In concluding its rebuttal, the Kaduna State Government urges citizens to disregard the SB Morgen report and its purported kidnapping ranking, emphasizing that it doesn’t reflect the true security situation in the state. Instead, the government calls for public vigilance, resilience, and cooperation with security agencies in fostering lasting peace and security. They reiterate their commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens, emphasizing the combined efforts of security operations, community engagement, and socio-economic initiatives to address the multifaceted challenges of insecurity and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for Kaduna State. The government’s strong response serves as a clear statement of its commitment to security and a rejection of the negative portrayal presented by the SB Morgen report.
