JAMILU SANI TSAFE
The Zamfara State Government has inaugurated a 13-member State Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, DDR, Peace and Security Committee as part of efforts to restore lasting peace and reintegrate repentant individuals into society.
The Deputy Governor, Mani Malam Mummuni (Masamar Mudi) inaugurated the committee in his office in Gusau on behalf of Governor Dauda Lawal.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor said, the committee was established to partner with security agencies in the disarmament of individuals and groups that have renounced banditry and other criminal activities, and to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration.
According to him, the committee comprises experts drawn from government ministries, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions. It is expected to advise the State Government and State Security Council on DDR strategies and coordinate all peace and security interventions in the state.
The committee’s key responsibilities include the collection, documentation and safe handling of surrendered arms and ammunition, formal disengagement of ex-combatants from armed violence, and management of a database for individuals exiting violence.
It will also conduct screening to determine risk levels, refer eligible beneficiaries to relevant agencies for psychosocial support and vocational training, and coordinate livelihood programmes for rehabilitation.
Other mandates include working with traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organizations to promote community acceptance and reconciliation, as well as tracking DDR progress and submitting periodic reports to the State Government and the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, NCTC.
Malam Mummuni assured residents that, the government would continue to support every legitimate measure aimed at restoring peace and security across the state.
He urged members of the committee to discharge their duties diligently in the interest of sustainable development.
The Secretary to the State Government will chairs the committee. Other members include the Chairman, House Committee on Security; representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture, Justice, Youths and Sports, Environment, and Budget and Planning; ZEMA; Traditional Rulers; Religious Leaders; Nigeria Police Force; while the Director of Security, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.
