…As troops promote peace, support schools, improve water access
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) intensified its civil-military cooperation activities in August, supporting peacebuilding, education, humanitarian operations and community development initiatives across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during a press briefing on the ongoing military operations for August 2026.
Onoja said the initiatives formed part of the military’s broader strategy of complementing kinetic operations with non-kinetic measures aimed at strengthening community resilience, building trust and addressing legitimate needs of host communities.
Troops Drive Peacebuilding in Benue
In Benue State, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE held structured peace and security engagements with members of different ethnic groups in Guma Local Government Area.
Onoja said a meeting held on August 3 at Torkula provided an opportunity for representatives of the various groups to address issues affecting them and promote peaceful coexistence.
A second meeting was held on August 6 at Gbajimba Police Station, where participants reviewed the prevailing security situation in Guma and discussed measures to improve security in the area.
He said both engagements were conducted peacefully and without incident.
Military Supports Education in Borno
In the North-East, troops donated educational materials to selected schools in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State on August 8.
The intervention, according to the Defence spokesperson, was designed to support education, strengthen community resilience and deepen cooperation between the military and civilian population.
The initiative formed part of the theatre’s non-kinetic operations aimed at complementing military efforts with programmes that respond to identified community needs.
Military, UN Strengthen Humanitarian Coordination
The military also partnered with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to host a Humanitarian/Civil-Military Coordination Roundtable on August 13.
The meeting focused on improving humanitarian access and civilian protection across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Key issues discussed included securing humanitarian supply routes, protecting civilians and returning internally displaced persons, safeguarding farmers and livelihoods, and strengthening coordination between the military and humanitarian agencies.
Onoja said the parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to helping conflict-affected communities transition from emergency assistance towards recovery and sustainable development.
Between August 3 and 24, troops also provided humanitarian escorts to UN OCHA and other agencies operating across the three states, facilitating the safe movement of humanitarian personnel and relief materials to affected communities.
Navy Provides Clean Water in Lagos
In Lagos State, the Nigerian Navy commissioned a solar-powered water project for residents of Ward F2 in Surulere on August 14.
The project is expected to improve access to clean and potable water for residents while strengthening relations between the military and the host community.
According to Onoja, such interventions demonstrate the AFN’s people-centred approach to national security, in which community development and welfare initiatives complement military operations.
He said the Armed Forces would continue to strengthen civil-military cooperation and support initiatives that promote peace, stability, community resilience and sustainable development across the country.
