Security: Why I’m pushing for official adoption of non-kinetic approach—Senator Buba
Senator Shehu Buba Umar—a distinguished lawmaker from Bauchi State whose academic journey is as impactful as his legislative career. He is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.
With a Master of Science in Peace Studies and Conflict Management from the University of Jos, Senator Umar has dedicated his scholarship to understanding the roots of conflict and crafting sustainable solutions for peace and security in Nigeria.
His master’s research, which focused on the drivers of the Farmers-Herders crisis in North Central Nigeria—particularly in Plateau State—was not only academically rigorous but also policy-relevant, with its recommendations adopted by the Plateau State Government to reduce tensions and violence in the region.
Currently pursuing a PhD under the mentorship of Professor Elias N. Lamle and Dr. Sule Raphael, Senator Umar’s doctoral work explores “The Drivers and Evolution of Banditry in Zamfara and Kaduna States: A Peace-Building Approach to Sustainable Stability in Northwest Nigeria.” His research takes a bold and inclusive approach, engaging with victims, community leaders, and even the perpetrators themselves to uncover the complex dynamics of insecurity. It also offers a critical lens on the limitations of military-led interventions, advocating instead for community-driven peacebuilding and reintegration strategies.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Umar is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between research and policy. In this interview, he discusses his legislative priorities, the nation’s security challenges, economic hardship, and his future in politics.
Q: How do you view the role of politics in serving the people?
To me, politics is a vehicle for serving the people—built on constructive engagement with all stakeholders. This includes fostering respectful and harmonious relationships with our veterans, elders, and even members of the opposition, all united by the shared goal of national stability and progress. As a committed member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I’m proud to say that the National Assembly operates with a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. Our deliberations have remained free of rancour, allowing us to consistently pass meaningful legislation that advances the vision of a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Q: With your studies on security and conflict resolution, what are your immediate priorities?
A: Through my academic journey and my role in the Senate, I remain committed to transforming academic insights into actionable policies that promote peace, security, and stability for the benefit of our nation.My main objective is to translate my academic research into tangible policy. My doctoral dissertation on banditry in Kaduna and Zamfara States emphasised non-kinetic solutions—community-led peace initiatives, conflict transformation frameworks, and reintegration strategies. I’m working to get these adopted as official government policy by the Senate and relevant security agencies. This shift from purely kinetic (force-based) approaches, which have often been ineffective, is crucial for achieving sustainable peace, especially in the North-west. It was a demanding process, but I am committed to seeing it through.
Q: In your view, what are the primary causes of Nigeria’s current security challenges?
A: Many factors are at play. Insurgency, for instance, can often be traced back to government mishandling of citizens’ grievances, as we saw with the early stages of the Boko Haram crisis. Banditry is linked to a mix of issues, including unregulated mining, cattle rustling, and climate change. Uncontrolled religious preaching and land disputes fuel ethno-religious crises. The farmer-herder conflict is a result of deep-seated frustrations and the involvement of criminal elements. There’s no single cause; it’s a complex web of issues.
Q: How can Nigeria restore peace in these troubled regions?
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A: While the government is implementing various strategies, lasting peace requires a collective effort. All parties involved must be willing to negotiate and understand the need for peaceful coexistence. No matter what solutions the government deploys, they will only be truly effective if the people on the ground are invested in their success. We must put aside our differences and work together to harness our nation’s potential. We cannot afford to continue this cycle of destruction.
Q: What is your take on the current economic hardship, and what are you doing to help your constituents?
A: Economic hardship is a global issue, but the Tinubu administration is working hard to improve the situation. As lawmakers, we are fully engaged. From my end, I have been actively working to alleviate the suffering in my state. I have distributed trailer-loads of rice, other food items, and fertilisers across Bauchi State. I have also established functional skills acquisition centres, launched an economic empowerment scheme, and helped with health-related complaints. Hunger is a real issue, affecting everyone, regardless of party affiliation. We need a fundamental shift in our approach. Bauchi State has the potential to feed the entire North-east, but poor planning has hindered its progress. We need to revive our moribund industries, such as the Galambi cattle ranch and the Zaki Flour Company, to create jobs and boost the economy.
Q: What factors do you attribute to your electoral success?
A: My success was, first and foremost, by the grace of God. I was steadfast, determined, and focused despite facing stiff opposition and challenges. I remained prayerful and had the unwavering support of my constituents. Even when my victory was challenged in court, I persevered, and the Supreme Court affirmed the will of the people. It was a difficult period, but I hold no grudges; that is the nature of democracy.
Q: You’ve been getting calls to contest the gubernatorial seat in 2027. What are your plans?
A: We are still in 2025. My immediate focus is on fulfilling the mandate given to me by my people and delivering on my promises. I am humbled by the calls and messages from people impressed with my work, who believe I can achieve more in a higher office. I am currently studying the situation, and a committee is also evaluating it. I will make my position known very soon, as several APC stakeholders are also comparing notes on the best way forward.
There have been accusations of certain individuals having ties to bandits. As the security chairman, what is your perspective?
A: I have heard these baseless, politically motivated allegations even against myself and others. However, my position requires me to ignore such mischief and focus on the task at hand. Insecurity cannot be defeated by force alone; kinetic methods often escalate conflict. As a conflict analyst and a security chairman, I know that diplomacy is a powerful tool.
Look at how the federal government rescued some of the Chibok girls in 2017—it was through negotiation. And similar things are ongoing in the current administration, especially through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with other security agencies, leading to thousands of rescued and freed victims of kidnapping. Sometimes, to achieve peace, you must engage with the enemy directly or indirectly. It is not every move in a security operation that can be made public, and that’s why we have an Oath of Secrecy. We are making significant progress, and with the new security measures introduced by this administration, I am hopeful that insecurity will be drastically reduced by the end of 2025.
Q: What about the allegation of lopsided infrastructural development?
A: The government considers many factors before deciding on projects. It’s not feasible to provide everything at once. Some abandoned projects inherited by this administration in the North have been completed, while others are nearing completion. We should learn to appreciate what is being done, and where necessary, engage in constructive criticism towards a better society, not through unnecessary sentiment and blind arguments that could lead to division.
Q: In conclusion, what is your final message to Nigerians?
A: We should all work together for a better Nigeria. It is time to set aside our political differences and personal ambitions and rally behind the President. My mission is to contribute to national development, and I believe we should all strive for the same goal, whether in government or in our personal lives.
