The Armed Forces of Nigeria has intensified its civil-military cooperation initiatives across the country, executed community development projects, supporting humanitarian operations and strengthening partnerships with host communities.
Speaking during the Defence Headquarters’ monthly and second-quarter operational briefing on Wednesday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the initiatives form part of the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive to integrate Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) into military operations.
He disclosed that troops distributed 40 bags of fertiliser to farmers in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State to boost agricultural production, while the Nigerian Air Force organised a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response seminar to strengthen compliance with international humanitarian law during military operations.
According to him, the Armed Forces also participated in the Delta State Security Summit, where security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations explored strategies to improve intelligence sharing and tackle insecurity.
The military further mediated disputes between oil companies and host communities involving Chevron, SEEPCO and Oando Resources to address issues relating to employment, contracts and community development.
As part of the Nigerian Army’s Special Intervention Projects, new community infrastructure including a town hall in Akwa Ibom State, a primary healthcare centre and a fully equipped emergency paediatric unit at the Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, were commissioned and handed over.
Major General Onoja added that in the North-East, troops provided ground and air escorts for humanitarian convoys conveying food supplies and cholera response materials to remote communities in collaboration with UN agencies, including UN OCHA, WFP and UNICEF.
He said the initiatives demonstrated the military’s commitment to combining combat operations with community development in order to strengthen public trust and improve cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
