The committee, facilitated by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, is the first of its kind to be established at the subnational level in Nigeria.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Kaduna State, Sani said the move was part of broader efforts to consolidate the gains already made in the fight against insecurity and build a lasting framework for peace across the state.
He recalled that not long ago, Kaduna was gripped by a severe security crisis, with bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups operating across large parts of the state. According to him, many communities lived under constant fear, while major roads that once served as key routes for movement, trade and social interaction became symbols of danger.
The governor specifically mentioned the Kaduna–Abuja corridor and the Birnin Gwari axis as areas that were once notorious for attacks, abductions and violent criminal activities. He said the situation disrupted economic activities, weakened public confidence and placed enormous pressure on rural communities.
Sani explained that upon assuming office, his administration adopted a multi-dimensional approach to tackling insecurity, combining military and law enforcement operations with dialogue, social interventions and community engagement.
According to him, the government recognised early that the complexity of the security challenge required more than force alone. This, he said, led to the development of what his administration describes as the “Kaduna Peace Model.”
He said the model seeks to address both the immediate threats posed by armed groups and the underlying social and economic conditions that often fuel conflict. These include poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, limited access to education and lack of economic opportunities for young people.
“In confronting these realities, we have combined robust security operations with deliberate investments in human development, dialogue and community engagement,” the governor said.
Sani noted that collaboration between the state government and federal security agencies has led to measurable improvements in safety across areas that were previously considered flashpoints.
He said travellers can now move more confidently along roads that were once regarded as highly dangerous, while economic activities have gradually returned in affected communities.
Despite these gains, the governor stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action alone. He said this informed the decision to place strong emphasis on dialogue, reconciliation and reintegration as key components of the state’s peace-building strategy.
According to him, engagement with community leaders, traditional institutions, security stakeholders and repentant actors has helped rebuild trust in several troubled communities.
Sani expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated committee would strengthen ongoing efforts to restore stability, prevent renewed violence and create a pathway for long-term peace and security across Kaduna State.
