CIVIC supports security–civilian relations in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe

The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), through a project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has strengthened and restored strained security–civilian relations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. This was disclosed by key stakeholders during the project’s close-out ceremony held in Maiduguri. Participants included representatives of the military, police, Nigeria Security […]

The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), through a project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), has strengthened and restored strained security–civilian relations across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

This was disclosed by key stakeholders during the project’s close-out ceremony held in Maiduguri.

Participants included representatives of the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), civil society organisations, traditional rulers, Community Protection Committee (CPC) members and legislators.

At the event themed: “From Dialogue to Action: Civilian Protection at the Grassroots,” stakeholders examined challenges affecting security operations and civilian spaces, with a focus on minimising harm and providing redress for victims.

In her remarks, CIVIC Country Director, Saratu Joshua Pindar, said the close-out ceremony was aimed at consolidating gains made in building trust between civilians and security forces.

“We have seen civilians become more confident and resilient. They can now engage security actors without the fear we observed at the beginning,” she said.

According to her, community members have evolved from passive beneficiaries to active contributors in their own protection efforts. She expressed optimism that the structures and capacities built would endure beyond the project’s lifespan.

Brig.-Gen. Nelson Okafor, who represented the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, said civilian protection remains central to military operations in the North-east.

“We do not see civilians as collateral damage. We escort them and patrol their farms to prevent conflict-induced hunger,” he said.

Okafor added that the gradual return of socio-economic activities in Borno and the wider North-east region stands as a major achievement of ongoing security efforts.

He noted that troops also protect worship centres, conduct medical outreaches and repair damaged roads to prevent improvised explosive device (IED) incidents as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations.

A member of the Borno State House of Assembly representing Konduga, Hon. Bukar Modu, said CIVIC’s four-year grassroots engagement has fostered trust and mutual understanding between communities and security agencies.

Also speaking, CIVIC board member, Hajiya Yabawa Kolo, emphasised the need for sustainability, anchored on the principles of protection and “do no harm.”