Bridging Trust, Promoting Peace: Military Launches Diplomacy Campaign to Strengthen Community Relations Across Rivers State

By Anthonia N Okwuolise

In a determined effort to build bridges of trust, promote enduring peace, and foster grassroots cooperation in the Niger Delta, the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has launched a Military Diplomacy and Sensitization Campaign across key communities in Rivers State.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, is part of a broader strategy to enhance civil-military relations and develop sustainable security through dialogue, cultural understanding, and mutual respect.

The campaign, coordinated by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations and led by Brigadier General Mohammed Dahiru Abu-Mawashi, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, kicked off in Degema Local Government Area, where the Nigerian Armed Forces engaged traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, and other community stakeholders.

Brigadier General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi , accompanied by the members of his team, and supported by troops from 109 Battalion, Operation Delta Safe, led by Lt. Colonel Waheed Rafiu Shittu, conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of Defence Staff and emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving peace.

He explained that the outreach was not about military enforcement, but a sincere effort to listen and partner with communities on security and development challenges.

“Security is most effective when communities are involved. You are the eyes and ears of the nation. We want to work with you, not above you,” he said.

The session addressed serious issues like crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, environmental degradation, and youth involvement in criminal activities. General Dahiru revealed that Nigeria lost over $3 billion to oil-related crimes in 2024 alone and stressed that both corporate negligence and criminal activities were contributing to environmental destruction and economic losses.

Traditional rulers in Degema, alongside women and youth representatives, welcomed the initiative, commended the sincerity of the military’s approach, and called for consistent engagement. A respected chief pleaded for greater focus on youth reorientation and asked how the military would address rogue officers aiding oil theft. In response, Brigadier General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi assured them of internal efforts to remove compromised personnel and emphasized the role of community intelligence in achieving meaningful results.

The second leg of the campaign took place in Ahoada East Local Government Area, where the Defence Headquarters delegation engaged the people of Ahoada Kingdom in another impactful town hall dialogue. His Royal Majesty, Eze Noble Friday Uwon, CSP (Rtd), Eze Igbu-Ehuda of Ahoada, welcomed the team warmly, presenting them with traditional symbols of hospitality and expressing confidence in the military’s renewed partnership approach.

“This is not just a campaign. It is a shield of partnership. We commend the Defence Headquarters for this practical and honest engagement,” he said.

Brigadier General Abu-Mawashi acknowledged the region’s cultural strength and economic significance, noting that the Niger Delta remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s oil revenue. He urged community members to remain vigilant, participate in intelligence-sharing, and take ownership of their role in protecting national assets.

Community leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives used the forum to share concerns and called for continued communication beyond the campaign. One of the speakers said, “Unlike politicians who come with promises and disappear, this military effort feels real. Please, let it not end here.”

Ahoada East LGA representative, Hon. Goodluck Moses, pledged the council’s full support for the initiative, reinforcing that security is a collective effort requiring unity and sincerity from all stakeholders.

The campaign reached its final destination in Eleme Local Government Area, where the team held a well-attended town hall meeting at Alesa Eleme. Brigadier General Abu-Mawashi, once again representing the Chief of Defence Staff, engaged with a diverse audience of traditional rulers, youths, women, and opinion leaders.

In his remarks, he underscored the strategic importance of Eleme and the larger Niger Delta to the nation’s economy, especially in foreign exchange from crude oil.

“Over 80 percent of our national income from foreign exchange comes from this region. Yet illegal refining, environmental pollution, and sabotage continue to pose serious risks to lives and livelihoods,” he noted.

He appealed to the people of Eleme to see the military as partners, not just protectors, and encouraged community members to provide timely information on criminal activities to help the Armed Forces respond effectively.

His Royal Majesty, King Dr. Emperor J.D. Nkpe JP, ONEH-EH ALESA X, Paramount Ruler of Alesa Eleme Kingdom, spoke with both pride and pain, reflecting on years of service and the challenges his people continue to face.

“For 28 years, I’ve led my people with dedication. We have been neglected and misunderstood. The military’s presence here gives us hope, but we need more than promises. We need action and inclusion,” he said.

Community youths echoed this sentiment, highlighting their struggles with unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of opportunities. They urged the federal government to create more platforms for skill development, education, and entrepreneurship, while also improving electricity, health, and social services.

Brigadier General Abu-Mawashi responded with assurances that the Armed Forces were not only listening but committed to strengthening community engagement, rebuilding trust, and working alongside all stakeholders for a better future.

Throughout the campaign, a common thread resonated, security must be people-driven. The Defence Headquarters’ approach, which combines military professionalism with community empathy, has been widely lauded as a step in the right direction.

High Chief Precious Agbani, a traditional leader who participated in the campaign, summed it up succinctly:

“This is different. The military came with sincerity, not intimidation. They listened, they responded, and they respected us. Let this not be another event. Let this be a turning point.”

The Military Diplomacy and Sensitization Campaign in Rivers State has ignited a renewed spirit of cooperation between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the communities of the Niger Delta. With trust being rebuilt and voices being heard, the campaign is laying a strong foundation for sustainable peace, environmental accountability, and inclusive security in a region vital to Nigeria’s progress.