By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its kinetic operations across theatres in October 2026 were complemented by sustained Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities aimed at improving community resilience, healthcare and public welfare.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this while briefing Defence correspondents on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs at the monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations.
According to him, while troops repelled terrorist attacks, rescued over 150 abducted citizens and dismantled criminal networks between September 30 and October 30, 2026, the AFN equally deepened non-kinetic engagements to strengthen civil-military relations and support host communities.
In furtherance of its commitment to host communities, the Nigerian Army sustained its CIMIC initiatives through a Key Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Offa, Kwara South, on September 22, followed by medical outreaches at Oke-Ode on September 23, Omu-Aran on September 25, Erin-Ile on September 26 and Ilemona on September 27.
The outreaches, the DHQ noted, were aimed at improving access to healthcare and fostering trust between the Army and host communities.
Similarly, the Nigerian Navy undertook community development projects across several states in October 2026. These include the reconstruction of Okwu Owerre Community Hall and provision of a solar-powered industrial borehole, water storage and reticulation facilities at Uzoubi-Umuna, Orlu LGA of Imo State on October 7.
Other projects include the perimeter fencing of Omolaiye Community School in Ikorodu North LGA of Lagos State on October 13; installation of an industrial solar borehole, 35,000-litre overhead water tank and reticulation system at Oke Ejigbo, Ila Orangun, Osun State on October 22; and construction of a modern community hall, mini-marts and an IT garden at Ibore-Irrua Kingdom, Esan Central LGA of Edo State, which will be commissioned on October 31.
According to the DHQ, these initiatives aim to improve access to potable water, education, community infrastructure and public welfare.
In Operation DELTA SAFE, the CIMIC team also facilitated two mediation meetings on October 16 involving Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Edegbene and Ogriagbene communities. Furthermore, on October 25, a stakeholders’ peace and reconciliation meeting was held to address tensions between Okpoama and Diema communities in Brass LGA, Bayelsa State.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on its part, continued to strengthen civilian protection and community welfare through stakeholder engagement, policy development and Special Intervention Projects.
It hosted Amnesty International Nigeria to discuss civilian harm mitigation during air operations, accountability, transparency and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights standards, with both parties agreeing to sustain dialogue.
It also revised the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, initially introduced in May 2025, to strengthen civilian protection during military operations. Meanwhile, the NAF Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse has reached its final stage pending official approval, reinforcing the Service’s zero-tolerance stance and commitment to accountability.
In October 2026, NAF Special Intervention Projects included the commissioning of a primary healthcare clinic at Latiko Village, Lavun LGA of Niger State on October 12; a primary healthcare centre and industrial borehole at Gadabuke Development Area, Toto LGA of Nasarawa State on October 15; a modern Computer-Based Test (CBT) laboratory at Government Science Secondary School, Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State on October 14; and 25 solar streetlights and a functional borehole at Igbore Community, Abeokuta South LGA of Ogun State on October 24.
The Defence Headquarters said the projects underscore the Armed Forces’ commitment to non-kinetic operations, improved civilian welfare, stronger civil-military relations and sustainable peace in host communities.
