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US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

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US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

By: Michael Mike

The United States and Nigeria have collaborated to strengthen peace structures across key conflict-prone areas in Nigeria, in a step towards enhancing peace and security in the country.

The Nigeria’s position is led by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) while United States collaboration is pushed by USAID, and it is aimed at building local capacity, improve early warning systems, and foster stronger collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, and security forces to reduce violence and promote stability in targeted regions.

Director General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu
while unveiling the Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, bringing together national, international, and local entities united in the mission of fostering social cohesion and preventing violence.

He said: “This partnership is unique, not only for its inclusivity—from international stakeholders to grassroots actors—but for the commitment it represents to peace building.”

The initiative, dubbed the Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria and Early Response Partner (PARTNER), is funded by USAID and aimed at empowering communities with tools to monitor and report early signs of conflict.

Ochogwu noted that starting in Kwara and Kaduna states, the programme now operates in nine states, including Benue, Nassarawa, and Katsina, establishing community-based peace structures and reconciliation committees.

He said: “A key element of the new Situation Room is its integration of digital tools. Since April, IPCR has been using an early warning and response application alongside SMS and toll-free lines to collect conflict data across Nigeria.”

He added that these tools have enabled 100 active reporters and 63 responders to document 363 conflict-related incidents, stating that: “This is not an intelligence tool; it’s a development initiative to address violence at the community level.

“The new technology, coupled with the work of the State Peace Commissions, offers a “quick response” mechanism to help de-escalate conflicts, transforming early warning signs into action.”

USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Melissa Jones, highlighted that responses to incidents have been seen as quickly as 20 minutes from distress calls.

Jones said: “This rapid response capability is unprecedented and is already saving lives.”

She commended the joint efforts of Nigerian agencies and communities.

On his part, the Presidential Communication Commander Control Center in the Office of the National Security Advisor Robert Obande underscored the system’s potential to foster inclusive dialogue and reconciliation while addressing root causes of conflict.

He praised the IPCR, USAID, and local peacebuilding agencies for their dedication.

He said: “This initiative demonstrates a collective commitment to securing a safer future for all Nigerians. The Situation Room is fostering stronger relationships between communities and security agencies, which many see as vital to sustainable peace in Nigeria.

“Through partnerships with local NGOs and state peace commissions, communities are now empowered to mediate conflicts, including those between farmers and herders, reducing violence and strengthening local economies.”

Mercy Corps Country Director, Ndubisi Anyanwu, on his part, emphasized that local ownership of the project is a key principle of the PARTNER initiative.

He said: “Mercy Corps built capacity, but our local partners implemented the program, proving the effectiveness of grassroots-led conflict management.

“The establishment of Nigeria’s Conflict Early Warning Situation Room represents a milestone in the country’s journey toward peace.

“With robust partnerships, community engagement, and technological advancements, it offers a promising pathway to mitigate violence and ensure a more peaceful future.”

US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts

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Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

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Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.

At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.

The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.

The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.

Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.

They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.

Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

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Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity

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Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.

The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.

According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.

The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.

“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.

It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.

The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.

He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.

The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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