UBA SANI: ARCHITECT OF PEACE AND SECURITY IN KADUNA

Security, in its truest sense, begins with food security. A nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its farmers or the cultivation of its land cannot lay claim to stability or prosperity. For nearly two decades following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, Kaduna State, widely regarded as the capital of Northern Nigeria, grappled with persistent insecurity. From the dark years of insurgency linked to Boko Haram to the more recent surge in banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling, communities were devastated.

Farmers abandoned their lands, breadwinners were lost, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered. At the peak of this crisis, over eight Local Government Areas were effectively shut down. More than 200 primary schools were closed, while over 150 Primary Health Centres became inaccessible, leaving communities without essential services.
The turning point came with the emergence of His Excellency, Uba Sani, whose leadership has redefined Kaduna’s security architecture. Through strategic collaboration with Nuhu Ribadu and General Christopher Gwabin Musa, with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a coordinated and results-driven approach to security was firmly established.

Crucially, Governor Uba Sani complemented federal efforts by institutionalizing a robust state-level security framework. The strengthening of the Office of the Commissioner of Internal Security has enhanced intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination. In addition, the strategic appointment of a Special Adviser on Security and Local Vigilante Services has ensured effective day-to-day supervision and integration of community-based security structures. This layered approach has significantly improved grassroots vigilance, bridging the gap between local communities and formal security agencies such as the Police and Armed Forces.

To reinforce operational capacity, over 150 Hilux vehicles and 500 motorcycles were procured and deployed to security agencies, alongside modern security equipment. More than 7,000 youths and women have been engaged under the Kaduna State Vigilante Service to support intelligence gathering and rapid response. Furthermore, about 1,100 forest guards, trained by the Nigerian Navy, Boat Services, and the Department of State Services, have been deployed to secure forest corridors and dismantle criminal hideouts.

Today, the results are evident. Farmers have returned to their fields, and normalcy is gradually being restored across previously troubled areas. While isolated incidents still occur, the widespread insecurity that once crippled Kaduna State has been drastically reduced. Local Government Areas such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Zangon Kataf, Kachia, Kauru, and Kaura have witnessed remarkable improvements in safety and stability.

Understanding that food security is the bedrock of peace, Governor Uba Sani introduced bold agricultural interventions. Over 1,500 trucks of fertilizer have been distributed free of charge to farmers across the 23 Local Government Areas. Additionally, more than 300 tractors, irrigation pumps, sprinklers, and other farming inputs have been provided across the 255 wards, revitalizing rural agriculture and restoring livelihoods.

Kaduna State continues to assert its position as an agricultural powerhouse. It remains a leading producer of maize in Saminaka (Lere LGA), tomatoes and chili pepper in Ikara and Makarfi, and ginger in Kachia, Jaba, Kagarko, and Jema’a. Beyond production, the administration is deepening agricultural value chains through strategic partnerships, including Kaduna–China collaborations in poultry and feed production.

A major leap in agro-industrialisation is the development of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) at Daki-Takwas along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor in Chikun Local Government Area. This flagship initiative, implemented in partnership with the Federal Government and the African Development Bank, is designed to reduce post-harvest losses, add value to key crops such as maize, tomatoes, and ginger, and create jobs while boosting regional economic growth.

Complementing this is the Agricultural Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), supported by African Export-Import Bank. The centre serves as a regional hub for testing, grading, inspection, and certification of agricultural produce, ensuring Kaduna’s products meet both domestic and international standards, thereby strengthening competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Infrastructure development has also played a critical role in sustaining peace and economic growth. Over 1,450 kilometers of roads have been constructed across the state. Notably, the 35-kilometer road connecting over 125 villages from Igabi through Gadan Gaya to Gwaraji has enhanced access between Kajuru and Chikun Local Government Areas, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce. Similarly, the 22-kilometer asphalt road from Kauru to Pambeguwa has reduced transportation costs significantly, from ₦2,000 per bag to ₦200, leading to a marked reduction in food prices.

Governor Uba Sani’s leadership embodies compassion, vision, and purposeful governance. His administration has not only restored peace but also laid a solid foundation for sustainable development. By healing divisions, empowering communities, and prioritizing both security and economic prosperity, he has redefined governance in Kaduna State.
Kaduna State today stands as a testament to what focused and visionary leadership can achieve. The transformation is visible, the progress measurable, and the future promising. Indeed, Senator Uba Sani, CON, has proven himself a true architect of peace and security.

Ben S. D. Kure
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC)

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