The Security Sector Stakeholders Engagement was convened by Headquarters 1 Division under the theme “Joint Action for Safe Environment: Security Agencies and Communities Working Together.” The forum was organised as a proactive measure to prevent the resurgence of seasonal security threats in Kaduna State during the rainy season, with the farmer-herder crisis arising from competition over water and land resources identified as the most prevalent challenge within this period.
This is in addition to associated risks such as banditry, abductions, and attacks on rural farming communities, which could undermine the relative peace and stability achieved through sustained joint security operations and community collaboration.
As the chief host, Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase welcomed the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA welcomed the participants and underscored the purpose of the forum as a collaborative platform for frank dialogue between the military, security agencies and civilian stakeholders. He reiterated the Division’s commitment to a preventive and inclusive security approach, stressing that lasting stability depends on trust, shared responsibility, and coordinated action among all actors. The forum provided community leaders the opportunity to raise security concerns directly with military, security and government leadership.
Furthermore, His Excellency Sen. Uba Sani, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, who was the Special Guest of Honour was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs. The Commissioner in his capacity delivered a very impactful keynote address which set the tone for the engagement and kickstarted the main interactive session. Also in attendance were senior Kaduna State government officials comprising commissioners and heads of state agencies, with notable presence from the Commissioners for Agriculture, Education, and Youth Development. Academia was represented by Vice Chancellors and Rectors, while the royal fathers included representatives of the Emir of Zauzau and the Agom of Kachia, and the Agom of Kofana who was present in person. Other participants included union leaders, religious bodies, traditional and community leaders, security and intelligence agencies, farmer and herder associations, civil society organisations, and members of the press.
The Commander 1 Military Intelligence Brigade provided the overall threat analysis, outlining current security trends, identified hotspots, and early warning indicators relevant to the rainy season. The interactive session was effectively moderated by the Commander 51 Signal Brigade, ensuring structured and inclusive contributions from all participants. Building on the gains of the first edition, stakeholders reviewed progress in joint operations, intelligence sharing, and community-led security, while deliberating on practical strategies to mitigate seasonal threats.
Key Agendas Discussed:
– Rainy season threat mapping and hotspot analysis
– Intelligence sharing and early warning systems
– Farmer-herder conflict prevention and resource management
– Joint security operations and patrol coordination
– Community-led security and confidence building –
Response and de-escalation framework for critical incidents
The engagement reaffirmed that security is a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society approach in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directive on collaboration with other security agencies, communities, and stakeholders.
In delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the Division, the Chief of Staff 1 Division, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, observed that the second iteration of the forum underscores the Army’s ongoing dedication to sustaining dialogue. He conveyed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government and the leadership of various security agencies for their steadfast collective resolve to sustain the prevailing peace. Finally, it was believed that the resolutions reached will guide immediate and sustained interventions to safeguard lives, property, and livelihoods, while consolidating the peace and stability achieved in Kaduna State
