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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 neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have scored a major psychological and intelligence victory against terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), following the killing of a group’s cameraman during a failed attack on Bitta town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the troops not only repelled the assault but also recovered a sophisticated camcorder used by the terrorists to record propaganda footage.
Security sources confirmed that the insurgents had planned to use the failed operation to generate fear-inducing content aimed at glorifying their attack and disseminating false narratives through online channels.
The ISWAP cameraman was identified by the equipment he carried, which included a ruggedised camcorder and media pouches strapped to his vest. He was taken down in the heat of the exchange.
The camera contained footages that is now being processed for intelligence exploitation.
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
Security forces arrest 13 illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand them over to immigration
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces on Tuesday arrested 13 suspected illegal immigrants following a distress call from residents of Unity Estate in Pakuro, Mowe area of the state.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the foreigners, who hail from Cameroon, Togo, and Ivory Coast, were allegedly causing public disturbance in the neighbourhood, prompting residents to alert the police.
Police sources said that following the alert at about 11:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mowe Division swiftly mobilised detectives to the scene.
All 13 suspects were apprehended and after initial profiling, they were handed over to the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, Abeokuta, for further investigation and necessary action.
The command assured residents that it would continue to work with other security agencies to ensure peace and order, especially in border communities.
End
Police launch manhunt after suspected abduction of two women in Abuja community
By: Zagazola Makama
The FCT Police Command has launched a joint operation to rescue two women suspected to have been abducted during an armed invasion in the Aco Mbawpe area of Abuja.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when criminal elements armed with dangerous weapons stormed the community and attacked a private residence.
According to a police sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Iddo Division received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. on July 23, alerting them to the attack.
“Upon receiving the report, our patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene. Preliminary investigation revealed that the residence of one Fati Omale was invaded by the assailants, and she, along with another woman identified as Zainab Ibrahim, is believed to have been abducted to an unknown destination,” the police said in a statement.
In response to the incident, combined teams of Police Operatives from Iddo Division, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, have commenced a massive search and rescue operation.
The joint teams are combing the surrounding bushes and hills around the Aco Mbawpe axis, a semi-rural settlement on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, in a bid to locate the abductors’ hideout and ensure the safe return of the victims.
Police launch manhunt after suspected abduction of two women in Abuja community
Troops neutralise ISWAP cameraman, seize propaganda camcorder in Bitta clash
Joint Nigeria–Niger military offensive hits major terrorist stronghold near Damasak
Security forces arrest 13 illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand them over to immigration
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