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US, Nigeria Collaborate to Strengthen Peace Structures, Build Local Capacity to Combat Conflicts
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
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation UDO KA have arrested four suspected arms couriers during an intelligence-led sting operation in Ebonyi State as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal arms trafficking networks in the South-East.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:50 a.m. on July 1 by troops of the 82 Division Garrison in conjunction with the Provost Group and Sector 2 of Operation UDO KA.
According to the sources, the operation followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected arms dealers operating within the Ebonyi metropolis.
The troops subsequently conducted a coordinated sting and follow-up operation, leading to the arrest of four suspects believed to be involved in the illicit movement and distribution of arms.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, while preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other members of the suspected network.
The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing further interrogation ahead of possible prosecution.
Security sources said the arrest forms part of sustained intelligence-driven operations by Operation UDO KA aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal weapons to criminal elements and improving security across the South-East.
They added that efforts are ongoing to uncover the suspects’ associates and trace the source as well as intended destination of the arms linked to the network.
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has continued to strengthen personnel welfare and operational efficiency with the successful conduct of the first welfare flight for July 2026, facilitating the movement of hundreds of military personnel into and out of the North East theatre of operations.
Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the welfare flight was conducted on July 2 using a chartered ValueJet aircraft as part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained welfare initiative designed to ease the movement of troops serving under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
According to the sources, a total of 174 personnel were airlifted into the theatre, while another 174 personnel were transported out, bringing the total number of beneficiaries on the flight to 348.
The sources disclosed that the movement was completed without any operational or logistical challenges.
They added that with the latest rotation, the cumulative number of military personnel transported into and out of the Operation HADIN KAI theatre under the COAS Welfare Flight Initiative has risen to 33,774.
The welfare flight programme, introduced by the Chief of Army Staff, is aimed at improving the welfare of troops by providing safe, timely and efficient transportation for personnel proceeding on leave, returning from leave, or rotating in and out of operational deployments.
Military authorities have consistently described the initiative as one of the key welfare interventions designed to boost troop morale, reduce the burden of long-distance road travel and enhance operational readiness in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North East.
The hitch-free execution of the latest flight further underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining personnel welfare while maintaining the operational tempo of troops engaged in the fight against terrorism and other security threats across the theatre.
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Troops Arrest Four Suspected Arms Couriers in Ebonyi Sting Operation
COAS Welfare Flight Airlifts 348 Personnel, Total Beneficiaries Reach 33,774
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
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