Army Commander Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support to Strengthen Security in Kaduna

A senior Nigerian Army commander has called on traditional rulers in Kaduna State to work more closely with security agencies to address insecurity, resolve community conflicts and sustain peaceful coexistence.

Daniel Momodu · October 22, 2026 · 6

The Nigerian Army has urged traditional rulers in Kaduna State to strengthen their collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders to tackle insecurity and promote lasting peace.

The appeal reflects the military’s emphasis on community engagement, intelligence sharing and dialogue as complementary measures to security operations, particularly in areas affected by recurring disputes between farmers and herders.

Military authorities have stressed that traditional leaders are strategically positioned to encourage reconciliation, discourage violence and help security agencies identify emerging threats within their communities.

In Sanga Local Government Area, the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, recently called for sustained cooperation among farmers, herders, youths and community leaders.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ security seminar, Dangana said dialogue, forgiveness and collective responsibility were essential to resolving disputes and preventing further destruction of farmlands. He also urged traditional and religious leaders to hold regular meetings and encourage young people to embrace peaceful coexistence.

The military commander noted that insecurity threatened agricultural productivity, livelihoods and economic development, stressing the need for residents to carry out legitimate activities without fear or intimidation.

He also highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust between conflicting groups through reconciliation and stronger cooperation with security personnel.

The Army’s approach combines operational activities with non-kinetic initiatives, including community dialogue and peacebuilding, to address the underlying causes of conflict.

Note: I could not verify the specific details of the Punch report from the available results, so this rewrite draws on related, corroborating reports about the military’s engagement with traditional and community leaders in Kaduna State.