The Nigerian Army and the Kaduna government have intensified efforts to tackle seasonal security threats through strengthened collaboration among security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.

Governor Uba Sani made the commitment at a security sector stakeholders engagement in Kaduna.

The engagement focused on preventing recurring threats such as banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, abductions and attacks on rural communities, especially during the rainy season.

Mr Sani noted that the state had recorded significant progress in restoring relative peace and stability through deliberate collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional leaders and communities.

He said outcomes from the maiden edition of the engagement had improved intelligence sharing, coordinated responses and strengthened community participation in security management.

“As the rainy season returns, so do familiar patterns of security challenges which threaten our food security and rural livelihoods. This engagement provides a platform to assess the threat landscape, review progress and reinforce mechanisms that have delivered results,” he said.

The governor emphasised that lasting security required collective responsibility, urging traditional institutions, civil society, religious bodies and community members to actively support security efforts.

He called for actionable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that would translate into tangible improvements in residents’ safety and well-being.

The general officer commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Abubakar Wase, said the engagement came at a critical time as the rainy season historically heightened security challenges in the state.

Mr Wase commended the success of the first edition, noting that it laid a solid foundation for trust, dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders.

He said the forum had led to intensified joint operations, improved intelligence sharing and strengthened community-led security initiatives.

According to him, these efforts have contributed to increased public confidence and a decline in violent incidents across several local government areas.

“We must refine rainy-season threat mapping, strengthen early warning systems and deepen joint patrol and de-escalation strategies to prevent resurgence of threats,” he said.

The commissioner outlined key measures to address seasonal security challenges, including strengthening early warning and response mechanisms and enhancing farmer-herder dialogue platforms.

He also stressed the need for intensified intelligence gathering, responsible information dissemination and protection of critical agricultural infrastructure.

Mr Shu’aibu urged stakeholders to move from dialogue to action, noting that sustainable security depended on community ownership and collective commitment.

“The safety of our communities and the success of the farming season depend on the decisions we take and the commitments we uphold,” he said.

The engagement brought together security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and community representatives to deliberate on strategies to sustain peace and stability in Kaduna.

(NAN)