The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized that terrorism and banditry cannot thrive without the complicity of local communities, calling for a collective effort to root out criminal elements from society.
Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, during the launch of the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative and the North Central Peace Summit, Gen. Musa highlighted the critical role of local collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
The summit was organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central).
According to the CDS, the continued existence of criminal networks is made possible by support from residents who provide them with information, food, and fuel.
“If communities decide today that they will no longer support criminals, those criminals will not survive,” Musa said.
“We can’t fight these battles alone. The terrorists live among us. They get their supplies, intelligence, and support from the very people we are trying to protect.”
He urged residents to provide timely and accurate intelligence to security agencies, noting that this would significantly improve the military’s operations against criminal networks.
“A few days ago, I asked, ‘How are they getting their fuel? How are they getting their food?’ The truth is, it’s coming from the communities. That’s our biggest challenge—members of the public aiding them,” he added.
Musa also addressed concerns about military misconduct, assuring the public that any personnel found guilty of wrongdoing would face appropriate disciplinary actions.
“The military is committed to professionalism. We might make mistakes, but never intentionally. If you see something wrong, report it, and we will act,” he said.
He further advocated for stronger border controls, including fencing of the nation’s borders, to stem the flow of illegal arms and cross-border crimes.
Also speaking at the event, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Euphraim Usman, said empowering local communities to take ownership of peacebuilding efforts was essential.
“Our society is being threatened by mistrust and instability. We must rebuild the bridges of trust and promote local conflict resolution mechanisms,” Usman stated.
Senator Simon Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, underscored the importance of granting full autonomy to local governments, describing them as the first line of response in times of insecurity.
“Until we truly empower the local government system as outlined in the constitution, our response to insecurity will remain inadequate,” Lalong warned.
Dr. Abiodun Essiet, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), said the initiative was designed to build a grassroots approach to security challenges in the region.
“We must see our diversity not as a weakness, but as a strength. Only through unity and community participation can we overcome these security challenges,” she said.
