* Charges committee on effective implementation of DDR, peacebuilding, and security coordination
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has inaugurated the State Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR), Peace and Security Committee under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad, chief press secretary to the Governor, sai the inauguration ceremony took place at the Red Chamber, Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
The initiative follows the National Policy Framework developed after consultations convened by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the United Kingdom Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (UK-SPRING) Programme across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Governor Radda explained that the initiative is part of a nationwide strategy aimed at promoting sustainable peace and stability through community-driven and coordinated interventions.
“This programme has been launched across all six geopolitical zones of the country to ensure sustainable peace and development in Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
He noted that Katsina State was selected as one of the pilot states due to its commitment to community engagement and non-kinetic security strategies.
“Katsina State was selected in recognition of its consistent efforts in community-driven security engagement and its adoption of non-violent approaches in addressing insecurity,” he added.
Governor Radda further explained that the National Counter Terrorism Centre, in collaboration with UK-SPRING, developed the national framework, which requires each state to establish a dedicated committee for implementation.
The committee comprises the Secretary to the State Government as Chairman; the Honourable Attorney General of the State; Commissioners for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Agriculture, and Youth and Sports Development; the Special Adviser on Community Security Watch; and the State Commandant of the Community Security Watch Corps.
Other members include the Executive Secretary of SEMA; the Executive Director of the Katsina State Development Management Board; the Chairman of the House Committee on Security; representatives of the Nigeria Police Force; representatives of Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils; the Council of Ulama; and Civil Society Organizations, while the Governor’s Office (MISHA) serves as Secretariat.
He outlined the terms of reference of the committee to include advising the State Government and Security Council on disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, peacebuilding, and security coordination.
“The committee is also mandated to oversee the profiling, screening, rehabilitation, and reintegration of individuals and groups willing to renounce violence and embrace peaceful coexistence,” the Governor said.
He further charged the committee to submit periodic reports and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in carrying out its assignment.
Governor Radda urges members to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and commitment to lasting peace in the state.
The Chairman of the Committee and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the confidence reposed in the members.
He commended the collaboration between the National Counter Terrorism Centre, UK-SPRING Programme, and DDR experts in supporting the initiative.
He further pledged the committee’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to its terms of reference in delivering sustainable peace outcomes.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Faruk Lawal; the Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura; members of the Katsina State Executive Council; and other top government officials.
