BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki has disclosed that some former bandit leaders have now embraced peace and are serving as community mediators under the new Kaduna Peace Model, a state-driven initiative designed to end insecurity through dialogue and empowerment rather than confrontation.
The Commissioner made this known during his paper presentation titled ‘Kaduna Peace Model: From Fear to Hope the Role of the Media’ at a one-day workshop on peace journalism held in Kaduna.
The workshop was organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria and the Kaduna State Ministry of Information.
Maiyaki said the peace model has yielded significant progress, including the safe release of over 500 captives without ransom, the recovery of 500,000 hectares of farmland, and the reopening of schools, markets, and healthcare centres previously closed due to insecurity.
But the most symbolic success, he noted, is the transformation of some notorious bandit leaders into peace ambassadors.
“We have seen examples of former bandit leaders such as Jan Bros and Yellow One Million who now serve as community peace mediators, contributing to stability in previously unstable areas.
“That tells you people can change when peace is owned by the community and not imposed by the government.”
The commissioner said the Kaduna Peace Model is anchored on inclusiveness, justice, and shared responsibility, bringing together traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, civil society, and development partners to build trust and foster tolerance.
He explained that the state decided to stop paying cash to bandits and instead provide them access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities to encourage genuine reintegration.
“Our focus is to turn those who once took up arms into productive citizens,” he added. “This approach is not about rewarding crime but creating a pathway for peace that benefits everyone.”
Maiyaki stressed that Governor Uba Sani’s administration is committed to sustaining the peace model, describing it as “a dynamic and evolving process built on trust and shared ownership.”
In his remarks, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, commended the Kaduna government’s efforts and urged journalists to strengthen peace through responsible reporting.
“We must use the media to unite, not divide. Peace reportage is about giving voice to solutions and reconciliation”.
Also speaking, Mrs. Fatima Omone Shuaibu, Head of Department, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic, called for unity-driven narratives that promote coexistence rather than division.
She said peace journalism must highlight stories of transformation and collective healing to inspire hope among citizens.
