By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Dei Dei, Abuja.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Thursday during the monthly press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, assuring that findings of the inquiry would be made public upon completion.
Onoja also revealed that support from the United States of America has significantly enhanced the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces over the past three months, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, training, and capacity building.
The defence spokesman said the military had, in April 2026, intensified efforts to complement kinetic operations with non-kinetic strategies through strengthened Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities across various theatres of operation.
According to him, the AFN recognises that lasting peace cannot be achieved through force alone, hence the sustained implementation of CIMIC initiatives aimed at building trust with local communities, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting livelihoods.
He explained that peace and security meetings were held in Logo, Guma and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue State, as well as in Takum and Donga LGAs of Taraba State and Toto LGA of Nasarawa State to address communal tensions and strengthen collaboration between troops and residents.
In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace distributed fertiliser to traditional leaders and religious bodies, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and Jama’atul Islam, to boost agricultural productivity.
He added that a 17-kilometre unity marathon was organised in Mangu Local Government Area to foster stronger ties between the military and the civilian population.
Onoja further disclosed that Operation Enduring Peace had launched a targeted initiative in Southern Kaduna to secure the 2026 farming season through enhanced security presence, farmer support, and sustained community engagement aimed at preventing conflict and improving food production.
He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, had directed all theatre commanders to fully integrate CIMIC activities into military operations to facilitate the resettlement of displaced persons and reinforce public confidence.
The AFN, he said, remains committed to expanding non-kinetic approaches as part of broader efforts to achieve lasting peace and national security, stressing that cooperation from the public remains essential in sustaining ongoing operations.
