The Convener of the Peace Achiever International Conference and Awards and Founder, Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, Amb Kingsley Amafibe, has called on Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs to work closely with local security agencies and community structures to strengthen peace and stability across the country.
In a statement released in Abuja, Amb. Amafibe congratulated the new defence leadership team appointed, describing their emergence as “an opportunity to reset Nigeria’s security architecture and foster lasting peace through collaboration and intelligence sharing.”
The newly appointed Service Chiefs include Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Major General Emmanuel Akomaye Parker Undiandeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Amb. Amafibe emphasized that tackling insecurity requires more than military force, calling for strategic cooperation with local vigilante groups, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations.
“Nigeria’s security challenges are deeply rooted in local communities. To win this battle for peace, our new Service Chiefs must build bridges with local agencies who understand the terrain and the people,” he said. “It’s time for an integrated approach where military intelligence, community vigilance, and civil engagement work hand in hand.”
He further urged the new defence leadership to prioritize intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and youth empowerment, noting that unemployment and poverty remain major drivers of insecurity.
“A peaceful nation is achievable when the military partners with the people,” Amafibe added. “Security should not be seen as the responsibility of uniformed officers alone but as a collective civic duty.”
The Peace Achievers International boss commended the President for the appointments, expressing optimism that the new team will “deliver results through professionalism, accountability, and genuine collaboration with all stakeholders.”
He also reiterated the readiness of Peace Achievers International to support national peace-building initiatives through advocacy, dialogue, and youth development programs aimed at countering extremism and violence.
“Our mission remains to build peace through synergy and leadership,” he said. “We look forward to working with the Service Chiefs to ensure Nigeria becomes a beacon of peace and unity in Africa.”
The call comes ahead of the Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards 2025, which will bring together leaders from across sectors to discuss strategies for sustaining peace and security in Nigeria.
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