The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Kwara South to provide credible information to security agencies to enhance the fight against insecurity.
Shaibu made the call on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement in Offa, Kwara South Senatorial District.
It was reported that the COAS was represented at the event by Maj.-Gen. Adewale Adekeye, Chief of Personnel Management, Army Headquarters.
Shaibu said the engagement provided an opportunity for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to interact with traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women, religious organisations and government officials on security challenges in the area.
The COAS further advised stakeholders to promote responsible communication and discourage the spread of fake news and messages capable of causing fear, division and conflict.
He said that security concerns should be promptly reported to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Shaibu commended the organisers of the forum for providing a platform for dialogue, information sharing and collaboration among stakeholders.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment, alongside other security agencies, to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and stability in the district and the country.
Shaibu urged participants to sustain the spirit of partnership beyond the forum and continue working together towards achieving peace, security and development.
According to him, the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and promote mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between the military and the civil populace.
He said that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges required greater collaboration between security agencies and the civil population.
In his welcome address, Maj. -Gen. Musa Etsu Ndagi, the Chief of Civil Military Affairs, called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and civil populace to enhance peace, security and sustainable development.
He said that the engagement was part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and promote mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between the military and the communities.
According to him, the Army and other security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace, but their responsibilities are better achieved through effective cooperation
Etsu Ndagi expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for honoring the invitation and for his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the people.
He also thanked traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, community leaders, youth and women representatives, media practitioners and other stakeholders for participating in the forum.
The officer also urged participants to engage constructively and use the opportunity to strengthen trust and cooperation between the Army and the people.
Also, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi 11, said the initiative would strengthen civil-military relations and promote cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts towards addressing security challenges in the state and the country.
The traditional ruler said that the responsibility for peace and national security should not rest solely on the military but required the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
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