Army, Giwa stakeholders meet to build trust, strengthen security
The Nigerian Army has engaged security stakeholders in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State to enhance intelligence sharing and sustain peace across the area.
Giwa Local Government Area is one of the bandits infested areas in Kaduna State and has been witnessing attacks and kidnappings for years.
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, said that the engagement aimed at consolidating peace, fostering trust and enhancing collaboration between troops and host communities.
It stated that the event, organised by Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army, was part of Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives, and was held under the leadership of Major General Abubakar Wase, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Fansan Yamma.
Major General Wase was represented by Brig.-Gen. Timothy Opurum, Chief of Staff, 1 Division.
In his keynote address, delivered by Opurum, the GOC said lasting peace could only be achieved through collective action, mutual trust and sustained cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian 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.
It added that participants 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) 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.
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.
Representing the Chairman of Giwa Local Government Area, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Shehu-Shika, commended the Nigerian 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, Women Leader of Giwa LGA, appreciated the Army for ensuring inclusiveness and pledged the support of women in promoting peace and community security.
The Council Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Talimu, who delivered the vote of thanks, commended the leadership of the 1 Division and reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to maintaining lasting peace and security in Giwa and neighbouring communities.
