The Commander, Sub-Sector 71, Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace (JTF OPEP), Sanga, Major M. Galadima, warmly welcomed the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, to a Decentralised Stakeholders’ Engagement aimed at consolidating security gains recorded during the yuletide season and preparing for the 2026 farming season.
The engagement brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, youth representatives, and members of the community, all united by a common goal sustaining peace and ensuring a productive farming season.
In his opening remarks, Major Galadima described the engagement as a critical platform for promoting unity across cultural and religious divides while strengthening peaceful coexistence.
He emphasized that the farming season remains vital to both local livelihoods and national development, stressing the need for a peaceful environment where farmers, herders, and all stakeholders can operate without fear of conflict.
“This seminar focuses on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, consolidating existing security gains, and ensuring a peaceful and productive farming season,” he stated.
As part of efforts to support local farmers, he announced the distribution of fertilizer to selected beneficiaries, with 95 packs allocated to Sanga Local Government Area.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the GOC, Brigadier General Aliyu Aminu highlighted the importance of the engagement as a strategic step toward sustainable peace and development.
He commended the people of Sanga for the noticeable decline in violent incidents, attributing the progress to sustained dialogue, cooperation, and collective commitment to peace.
However, he raised concerns over emerging security challenges, including:
- Attacks on vulnerable individuals
- Kidnapping
- Influx of cattle into farming communities
- Illegal arms activities
“These developments pose serious threats to food security, economic stability, and social cohesion. We must act collectively and proactively to prevent conflict,” he warned.
He also revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, approved the distribution of fertilizer as a non-kinetic intervention to support farming activities and reduce tensions.
In a lecture, Dr. Amba Daniel described Sanga as a “model of integrated security,” noting that the collaboration between security agencies and community stakeholders has transformed the area into a peaceful and stable environment.
He highlighted key achievements, including:
- Improved social cohesion
- Productive engagement of youths
- Strengthened intelligence systems
- Enhanced cooperation between civilians and security agencies
Dr. Daniel also stressed the need for inclusivity, urging stakeholders to integrate new residents attracted by the area’s peace into the existing framework to sustain stability.
Religious and traditional leaders echoed the call for unity, tolerance, and dialogue.
They emphasized that:
- Peace is essential for survival and development
- Religious and ethnic differences must be set aside
- Conflicts should be reported and resolved through proper channels
The Emir of Gwantu, HRH Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, urged communities to completely discard religious animosity and embrace peaceful coexistence.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Samuel Isah Shamaki, Member representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, shared his thoughts on the importance of peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
During an interview, he described the engagement as timely and necessary, noting that it provides a platform for dialogue and mutual understanding among community members.
“This meeting is very timely, as it brings farmers and herders together to dialogue and understand one another. We are all living in the same communities, and at times like this, conflicts usually arise between farmers and herders. Therefore, we are appealing to everyone to embrace peace.”
He emphasized that peace remains the foundation for meaningful development and urged all stakeholders to work together in unity.
Representatives of political leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security, noting that security is a shared responsibility.
They called for:
- Respect for grazing routes
- Dialogue between farmers and herders
- Enforcement of laws against farm destruction and cattle rustling
- Community-driven conflict resolution mechanisms
Hon. Samuel Isah Shamaki emphasized that peaceful coexistence remains the only path to collective prosperity.
Youth Engagement and Grassroots Perspective
Speaking on behalf of local stakeholders, Comrade Danjuma Ngbo Adama appreciated the organizers and donors for their continued support, particularly the provision of fertilizer to farmers.
He noted that many conflicts occur among youths and advised young people to avoid violence and instead report issues to appropriate authorities for peaceful resolution.
Throughout the engagement, a recurring message stood out: security is everyone’s responsibility.
Stakeholders were encouraged to:
- Strengthen early warning systems
- Promote dialogue and mutual understanding
- Avoid retaliatory actions
- Work together to sustain peace
In his closing remarks, Brigadier General Aliyu Aminu commended all participants for their contributions and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
He urged stakeholders to remain dedicated to the resolutions reached and continue working collaboratively for the benefit of the community.
The stakeholders’ engagement in Sanga Local Government Area reaffirmed the power of unity, dialogue, and collaboration in achieving sustainable peace.
The event concluded with the presentation of fertilizers and gifts to selected beneficiaries, symbolizing both support for farmers and a shared commitment to a peaceful and productive 2026 farming season.
As participants departed, one message remained clear
peace is the foundation upon which development thrives, and together, it must be protected.
