The Nigerian Army has strengthened civil-military cooperation by engaging security stakeholders in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State to enhance intelligence sharing and sustain peace across the area.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Lt.-Col. Ajemasu Jingina, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma.
According to the statement, the engagement organized by 1 Division was part of its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives aimed at consolidating peace, fostering trust and enhancing collaboration between troops and host communities.
It stated that the event was held under the leadership of Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division represented by Brig.-Gen. Timothy Opurum, Chief of Staff, 1 Division.
In his keynote address, the GOC said lasting peace could only be achieved through collective responsibility, mutual trust and sustained cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations through continuous community dialogue and stakeholder engagement.
According to him, the military remains committed to protecting lives and property while encouraging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
The statement said discussions focused on wet-season security threats, intelligence gathering, proactive information sharing, prevention of farmer-herder conflicts, coordinated security patrols, community-led security initiatives and rapid response mechanisms for emerging threats.
Earlier, the Commander, Sub-Sector 6, Col. A.M. Wase described the engagement as a timely initiative that would strengthen understanding and cooperation between the military and the civilian population.
In his remarks on behalf of Giwa Local Government Council, the Vice Chairman, Mallam Ibrahim Shehu-Shika, commended the Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and assured the military of the council’s continued support.
Speaking on behalf of women in the area, Hajiya Fatima, appreciated the Army for ensuring inclusiveness and pledged the support of women in promoting peace and community security.
Participants at the session were drawn from security and paramilitary agencies, traditional and religious institutions, the Giwa Local Government Council, women and youth groups, farming communities, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) who deliberated on practical measures to improve security in the area.
During the interactive session, stakeholders commended the professionalism, resilience and sacrifices of troops deployed in the area, noting that sustained military operations had significantly improved security and enabled residents to pursue their lawful activities without fear.
They also expressed confidence that ongoing operations had remained professional, impartial and devoid of ethnic or religious bias.
The stakeholders unanimously pledged continued support for the military through intelligence sharing and closer collaboration to sustain peace and stability across the local government area. (NAN).
