By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has intensified its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities across the country, implementing community development projects, peace-building initiatives and public health interventions aimed at strengthening relations with host communities and supporting national development efforts.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Micheal Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during the Defence Headquarters’ monthly briefing on ongoing military operations, noting that the initiatives were carried out in line with the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, to enhance community engagement across all theatres of operation.
According to Onoja, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE facilitated mediation meetings between Sterling Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) and its host communities of Aseomuku and Umusadege-Ogbe in Delta State on July 17 and 24 to address disputes capable of disrupting peace in the operational area.
He explained that during the Aseomuku meeting, the company was directed to review outstanding community documentation and present a formal response at a subsequent engagement, while SEEPCO was also urged to complete an outstanding road project and expand local employment opportunities in Umusadege-Ogbe.
The military spokesman said the engagements underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to dialogue, conflict prevention and peaceful coexistence between oil and gas operators and their host communities in the Niger Delta region.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE organised a series of peace and security meetings in Benue and Nasarawa states involving traditional rulers, community leaders, local government officials and representatives of security agencies to address communal and inter-ethnic tensions.
The meetings, held in Abako in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area and Agbaragba in Guma Local Government Area, were reported to have strengthened confidence-building measures and promoted peaceful conflict resolution among the affected communities.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI also supported public health interventions following a cholera outbreak in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Onoja said troops worked with local health authorities to establish temporary treatment and quarantine measures while also partnering with the Nigerian Bar Association and General Hospital Baga to conduct cholera awareness campaigns in schools and markets across Baga and Doro Baga communities.
The Defence Headquarters further disclosed that troops carried out several community development projects across different geopolitical zones as part of efforts to improve living conditions and deepen military-civilian relations.
Among the projects completed were the construction of a town hall in Kutia Village, Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State; installation of industrial solar-powered boreholes with 80,000-litre overhead tanks in Kerau, Katsina State, and Muye Community in Niger State; and the construction of a town hall alongside the installation of a 500KVA transformer in Lowa Community, Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.
Other projects included the restoration of electricity in Ikot Edeghe, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, renovation and furnishing of a primary school in Allor, Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, and the installation of a solar-powered water reticulation system with a 60,000-litre overhead tank serving five water points in Esie Kingdom, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Onoja said the initiatives demonstrate the Armed Forces’ commitment not only to securing the nation but also to contributing to community development, public welfare and sustainable peace in areas affected by security challenges.
