As part of the ongoing Military Diplomacy and Sensitization Campaign in Rivers State, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called for strengthened collaboration between the Nigerian military and host communities in oil-producing regions to foster peace, national security, and socio-economic stability.
Speaking during a high-level interactive session held at Alesa Eleme Town Hall, Eleme Local Government Area, CDS Musa—represented by Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abu-Mawashi, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations—underscored the strategic significance of the Niger Delta to Nigeria’s economy, noting that the region accounts for over 80 percent of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings from crude oil.
“Our presence here is not to issue orders, but to engage, listen, and collaborate with you to find lasting solutions. Illegal refining and environmental pollution are grave threats to both your community and the world. We must confront these dangers together,” Brig Gen Abu-Mawashi said.
He stressed that continued illegal activities are endangering lives, degrading the environment, and damaging critical national revenue streams. The military, he assured, remains committed to inclusive peacebuilding efforts and urged community members to provide actionable intelligence to help curb criminal operations.
“Security cannot succeed without community involvement. The military alone cannot do it. We must engage our youths, women, and traditional institutions to embrace peace and development,” he added.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and youth representatives welcomed the military’s engagement but also highlighted long-standing developmental concerns. A youth spokesperson pointed to rampant unemployment, poor infrastructure, and the lack of basic services, calling for government investment in skill acquisition, education, and electricity to uplift the region’s youth.
His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Emperor J.D. Nkpe JP, ONEH-EH ALESA X, Paramount Ruler of Alesa Eleme Kingdom, commended the military’s approach but urged the federal government to adopt a more community-driven model in its peace and security strategies.
“For 28 years, I’ve served my people. The root causes of conflict here go beyond militancy—they involve marginalization, neglect, and the absence of trust. We need strategic communication and sincere engagement to heal and grow,” he stated.
The town hall event brought together officers of the 29 Battalion, other sister security agencies, youth and women groups, cultural representatives, and defence correspondents from Abuja. It is part of a wider Defence Headquarters campaign to strengthen civil-military relations and deepen community participation in national security operations.
