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WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding
WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding
By: Michael Mike
The West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), has called on the government and relevant authorities in the West Africa region, and the Lake Chad basin to invest in peacebuilding as a means to tackle conflict.
The organisation made the call on Monday, at the beginning of a 3-day training workshop on conflict prevention, violent extremism, Crisis management and peacebuilding, in Abuja. This was organized by the Research and Action for Peace Network (REcAP Network), and implemented by WANEP, in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC),with funding from the European Union (EU).
The project seeks to establish a sustainable, more inclusive, and effective regional network of experts specialised in peacebuilding, the prevention of conflicts and violent extremism in 18 countries in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin to act as an interactive platform for regional cooperation.
Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building WANEP-Regional, Festus Kofi Aubyn, during his presentation on ‘conflict and conflict prevention,’ noted that for every conflict experienced in an environment, there have been early warning signs neglected by the authorities.
According to Aubyn, situations that lead to conflict are escalated because relevant authorities do not make concerted efforts to tackle immediate actions that result in conflict.
He noted that Peacebuilding is not a one off event as warring parties should be allowed to air their perspectives and then settle for a compromise as this leads to the building of relationship which is important in resolving conflict.While also advocating for preventive mechanisms .
He said, “conflict prevention is very key. We do not have to always be preventive but proactive. This is to ensure that conflict does not start in the first place.”
Proffering solutions to crisis management and Peacebuilding, Aubyn urged the use of systematic, direct, and structural methods noting, conflicts are dynamic and various individual perspectives need to be carried along.
“Poverty and employment can be causes of conflict in the society if not tackled in a long period, but can not be resolved through direct or systematic means of prevention. But a structural means of prevention can be applied as this is a process that takes a longer time to properly address conflicting issues.
“The aim is to reduce violence as well as addressing the root causes of the violence. It is for a longer term. It involves a wider range of issues and actors, he said.
The Nigeria National Network Coordinator WANEP, Dr. Bridget Osakwe on her part noted that, resources do not create conflict except there is a deliberate intention to use it. Adding, resources are enough to go round but not enough to settle the greed of many.
Osakwe highlighted the need for conflict analysis in peacebuilding, noting the strategy deployed in bringing conflict to an end is only as good as the analysis carried out else, it will not yield positive results.
Speaking further she emphasised that, individuals mistake peacebuilding and peacekeeping to mean the same process, noting the later occurs when war is in place and the use of military force is implied.
She underscored the need for the government to provide basic amenities for the citizens, especially those at the rural areas, stating these individuals only demand for their rights, which according to her is not difficult to achieve.
She said, “violent extremism strives in ungoverned spaces. In the NorthEast terrorism was easy to penetrate because they provided the locals with their basic needs.
“Items as little as wheelbarrows were distributed to locals and this for a long period enhanced local support for the terrorists actions.”
Ends
WANEP harps on need to invest in peacebuilding
Security operatives arrest suspected fuel suppliers to bandits in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Gombe State have arrested two suspected fuel suppliers believed to be providing logistics support to bandits operating in neighbouring communities in Bauchi State.
Security sources said the suspects were arrested on March 4 at about 4:30 a.m. during a stop-and-search operation along the Kashere–Futuk Road in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
The sources said the operation followed intelligence reports indicating that bandits terrorising parts of Bauchi State were sourcing fuel supplies from Kashere in Gombe State.
During the operation, operatives intercepted a red tinted Golf 3 vehicle with registration number GME 221 XA, loaded with 29 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
The vehicle was driven by one Aliyu Usman, 20, of Futuk Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, who reportedly fled the scene and escaped.
Two passengers in the vehicle, identified as Bello Abdullahi, 52, and Sulaiman Musa, 40, both from Futuk Village in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State, were arrested at the scene.
The suspects claimed that the fuel was purchased in Billiri, Gombe State.
The police impounded the vehicle along with the 29 jerrycans of fuel as exhibits while investigations are ongoing to determine their involvement in supplying fuel to criminal elements.
Efforts are also underway to apprehend the fleeing driver and uncover other members of the suspected supply network.
Security operatives arrest suspected fuel suppliers to bandits in Gombe
Troops of 3 Division liberate Mansur Village, Alkaleri LGA in Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army have successfully liberated Mansur Village and surrounding settlements in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State as part of the ongoing Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III.
The operation, led by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, targeted armed terrorists and criminal elements terrorising the local communities.
According to military sources, troops executed a coordinated offensive on identified flashpoints, dislodging terrorists who had attempted to seize control of Mansur Village. An AK-47 rifle was recovered during clearance operations, degrading the operational capacity of the insurgents.
Following the offensive, troops consolidated their positions and conducted patrols across Alkaleri LGA to maintain security and restore normalcy. Residents have reportedly begun resuming socio-economic activities in the area.
Military intelligence indicates that cross-border terrorist gangs operate within Plateau, Bauchi, and Taraba States, exploiting local terrains and engaging in fluid movement patterns to evade security forces.
The insurgents are reported to include high-value targets such as Mallam Lehi, Mai-Kunkuru, and Mallam Azuge, who operate in the Wase/Kanam forests and Jejin Madam axis.
The General Officer Commanding urged troops to maintain vigilance, stressing the importance of denying terrorists freedom of action while ensuring civilian protection.
Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III is part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to dominate insurgent corridors and restore peace and security in North East and North Central Nigeria.
Troops of 3 Division liberate Mansur Village, Alkaleri LGA in Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III
Military EOD neutralizes improvised explosive device in Talata Mafara, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
An improvised explosive device (IED) planted between Yar Danya and Maikwanugga villages in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State has been safely neutralized by military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts.
Zagazola report that the operation, conducted on March 3 at about 2:00 p.m., followed the discovery of the device along a key village route. Security sources said the EOD team successfully detonated the IED, preventing potential harm to residents and commuters in the area.
Patrol and monitoring activities by the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA and other security forces had since been intensified in the vicinity to ensure the safety of the local population and prevent further threats.
Military EOD neutralizes improvised explosive device in Talata Mafara, Zamfara
Security operatives arrest suspected fuel suppliers to bandits in Gombe
Troops of 3 Division liberate Mansur Village, Alkaleri LGA in Operation BUGUN KARKANDA III
Military EOD neutralizes improvised explosive device in Talata Mafara, Zamfara
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