Civil-Military Bond Strengthened as Oyo Stakeholders Back Nigerian Army’s Security Drive

Key figures from Oyo State’s traditional institutions, local government councils, organised labour, and the private sector have commended the Nigerian Army for strengthening civil-military cooperation as a tool for combating crime and fostering peace.

The commendations came on Friday at a Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum convened by the Nigerian Army Headquarters through its Department of Civil-Military Affairs, held at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi Gate.

The forum, themed “Taking the Nigerian Army to the Communities”, drew notable participants including the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Oyeniyi Oyedepo; High Chief Kasali Oladipo Yusuf representing the Soun of Ogbomosho; the Onigboora of Igbo Ora; the Alakinyele of Akinyele; the Oyo State NLC Chairman, Comrade Olusegun Kayode Martins; the Vice Chairman, Comrade Adejoke Victoria Oyeleke; ALGON Chairman and Egbeda LGA boss, Hon. Sanda Sikiru; as well as service chiefs and security stakeholders.

Special Guest of Honour, Major General Lukman Omoniyi, underscored the shared responsibility of security, noting that safeguarding communities requires more than military and law enforcement action.

“Today’s event is geared at promoting collaboration, building trust, and strengthening mutual understanding among critical stakeholders… Any peace and security we desire depends on our unity and collective action,” he said.

Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Gold Chibuisi, described the gathering as part of the Army’s non-kinetic strategy, aimed at deepening trust between the military and civilian communities.

“Our contemporary security challenges are both dynamic and multifaceted, requiring a collective effort… This forum underscores the significance of military-civilian collaboration in addressing the root causes of insecurity,” he stated.

Local government chairmen, represented by Hon. Sanda Sikiru, lauded the initiative, noting that security is “not the duty of one person” but a shared responsibility. Traditional rulers, including Oba Khalid Oyeniyi, also praised the Army’s closer engagement with communities, emphasising the importance of familiarity and collaboration in protecting citizens.

Oyo State Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperative, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, linked security to economic growth, stating:

“Security is the foundation upon which every other facet of development rests… Without peace and safety, businesses cannot thrive, industries cannot expand, and investments cannot yield their full potential.”

The forum followed an earlier youth-focused engagement that brought together social media influencers to explore ways to jointly strengthen security across the state.