The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed all Theatre Commanders to fully integrate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) into operational activities, with emphasis on professionalism and support for the resettlement of displaced communities to reinforce public confidence in military operations.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the monthly press briefing on ongoing military activities across the six geopolitical zones. He reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) considers community cooperation a critical pillar of national security and will continue to expand CIMIC initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable peace.
According to him, the AFN recognises that lasting peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone and has therefore intensified non-kinetic engagements across various theatres. Within the period under review, peace and security meetings were held in Logo, Guma, and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State to address communal and ethnic tensions and promote peaceful coexistence.
Similar engagements were conducted in Takum and Donga LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Toto LGA of Nasarawa State, aimed at strengthening dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms among communities.
In Plateau State, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) carried out several CIMIC initiatives in Mangu LGA, including the distribution of fertiliser to representatives of traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI). The operation also organised a 17-kilometre marathon to promote unity and build trust, with prizes awarded to outstanding participants.
Furthermore, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) launched coordinated efforts in Southern Kaduna to secure the farming season through enhanced security presence, farmer support programmes, and sustained community engagement to prevent conflicts and ensure uninterrupted agricultural activities.
The Defence Headquarters noted that the cumulative impact of these initiatives underscores the military’s commitment to fostering stability, strengthening civil-military relations, and supporting food security as part of its broader national security mandate.
