The Nigerian Army has called on traditional rulers and other community leaders across the country to collaborate with security agencies in addressing insecurity within their domains.
The Special Guest of Honour, Major General Obinna Ajunwa, made the call during the Nigerian Army Stakeholders Engagement Forum held in Owerri, Imo State.
Ajunwa said the forum was organised to strengthen the partnership between the Army and communities in tackling security challenges in the state. He urged community leaders to be vigilant and avoid actions capable of triggering security breaches in their localities.
According to him, the Nigerian Army has continued to make significant efforts to ensure that communities in the South East remain peaceful. He added that the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, under the Imo Command, has successfully curtailed violent crimes in several parts of the state.
He further explained that the engagement aligns with the policy direction of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, aimed at fostering mutual understanding between the military and civilians — hence the theme of the event, “Taking the Nigerian Army to the Communities.”
In his presentation, the guest speaker, Brigadier General G. O. Anyalemechi (rtd), lamented that the perception of the Army as an adversary emerged after the Nigerian Civil War. He emphasised that the Nigerian Army remains a symbol of national strength and honour, always committed to the unity and stability of the country.
Anyalemechi stressed the importance of a cordial civil-military relationship in promoting effective governance and urged civilians to support the Army’s operations by providing credible intelligence to enhance security efforts.
Also speaking, the President of the Orluzurume Youth Assembly (OYA), Prince Izunna Obiefule, commended the military for initiating the engagement forum. He attributed the rising insecurity in the South East to poor governance, marginalisation, and lack of patriotism.
Obiefule said, “The fight against insecurity should start with good governance. Misgovernance breeds crime and violence. Political leaders must collaborate with traditional rulers and other local institutions to form community-based vigilante groups made up of indigenes to tackle insecurity from the grassroots.”
The forum was attended by traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders. It provided a platform for fostering a stronger relationship between the Army and the civilian population towards sustaining peace and security in Imo State and the South East region.
Cr- Nigerian Tribune