Step Up Nigeria Launches Whistleblower Competition, Urges Youth to Tackle Corruption

Abuja — Step Up Nigeria, in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, has launched the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, calling on young Nigerians to use creative expression to promote transparency and accountability.

The initiative was unveiled at a press briefing in Abuja, where the organisation highlighted the need to strengthen youth participation in the fight against corruption.

Speaking at the event, the Communications Manager of Step Up Nigeria, Dr. Shekwogaza Kure, said the competition is designed to give young Nigerians a platform to engage actively in governance issues through storytelling and the arts.

Also speaking, the Director of Programmes, Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, described the competition as an opportunity for youths to showcase their creativity and passion for transparency, accountability, and whistleblower protection.

“This is more than a competition. It is a call for young Nigerians to lend their voices to the fight against corruption and to stand for what is right,” he said.

The competition is open to Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 35, with entries accepted in multiple formats including artwork, short skits, songs, spoken word, articles, and short stories.

Organisers said participants are expected to focus on key issues such as the role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption, the importance of accountability in governance, and the risks faced by individuals who speak out without adequate legal protection.

They added that the initiative aims to change public perception about whistleblowing, presenting it as an act of courage and civic responsibility rather than betrayal.

The programme aligns with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which encourages countries to establish measures to protect individuals who report corruption in good faith.

To encourage wider participation, the organisers announced that the submission deadline has been extended to Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Participation is free, and winners will receive cash prizes and recognition, with selected entries also featured in educational podcasts. However, the organisers stressed that all submissions must be original and not generated using artificial intelligence.

Further details on eligibility and submission guidelines are available on the organisation’s website.

The event also drew participation from key government and anti-corruption agencies, reflecting growing institutional support for whistleblower protection in Nigeria.

Among those present were Alhaji Mohammed S. Wase of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Their presence, organisers said, underscores the importance of collaboration between civil society and public institutions in promoting accountability.

As the deadline approaches, Step Up Nigeria urged young Nigerians across the country to take advantage of the opportunity to use their creativity as a tool for change.

Power Shift at the Grassroots: MUSAWAH Ignites Kaduna with Massive 23 LGA Inauguration

A new wave of grassroots mobilization is sweeping through Kaduna State as the Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative unleashes one of its biggest structural expansions yet, inaugurating 23 Local Government Area (LGA) structures in a single, decisive move.

The landmark event, held on March 24, 2026, at the Musawah Head Office in Kaduna, was more than a ceremony, it was a clear signal of rising political consciousness, youth engagement, and coordinated grassroots action.

At the center of it all was the National Coordinator, Polycarp D. Gankon, whose message set the tone for what many described as a turning point for the initiative.

“This is not just an inauguration, this is a movement taking shape,” he declared, as newly appointed leaders responded with visible enthusiasm and commitment.

Built on the leadership ideals of Christopher Gwabin Musa, the initiative continues to push a bold agenda rooted in inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and development-focused politics — a message that is rapidly gaining traction across communities.

The scale of the expansion is significant. A total of 92 officials have been deployed across the 23 LGAs, covering key roles such as coordinators, secretaries, women mobilisers, and youth mobilisers. But that is only the beginning.

In what appears to be a strategic masterstroke, Musawah is now moving even deeper, rolling out ward-level structures that will see nine additional officials appointed in every ward — a move set to dramatically widen its grassroots reach and operational strength.

The initiative also used the moment to reaffirm its strong backing for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Uba Sani, positioning itself within a broader alignment focused on stability, security, and national development.

With chants of “Home for All – Gidan Kowa” echoing through the venue, the message was unmistakable: Musawah is not just organizing, it is mobilizing.

As the dust settles on this high-impact inauguration, one thing is clear — the Musawah Initiative is building more than structures; it is building a movement, one community at a time.

WIKIPEDIA: JUKUN WAPAN LANGUAGE TO GET ITS OWN EDITION 

Not less than 50 Jukun Wapan speakers gathered on Friday, 20th February 2026, as the news of the Nenzit Wikimedians team coming to help start the Jukun Wapan Wikipedia was heard, to participate in the Jukun Wikipedia Outreach. The Wikimedia team, consisting of members of the Tyap Wikimedians User Group from Tyap-speaking background (Kambai Akau and Kuyet Friday Musa) and Jju-speaking background (Joshua Jacob Nzamah and Abukam Peter Adamu) on arrival, headed to see the Aku Uka of Wukari in his palace, to brief him of the reason for their visitation. The Aku Uka was very delighted and gave the team his blessings. The Wikimedia team was accompanied to the Aku Uka’s palace by members of the Jukun Wapan bible translation team, led by the coordinator, a retired clergyman and village head of Byepyi, Atando James Kinda Agbu, and another member of the team, Amos Jonathan Ajotsatutu, who made sure that the Wikimedia team was well taken care of. After the visit to the Aku Uka, the team headed back to meet the venue at Rohi Grand Suites, 20 Kwararafa Crescent/19 Agwabji Street, GRA, Wukari, where they began the first of the three-day session with the aspiring editors.

Image: L-R: Friday Kuyet Musa, Kambai Akau, Aku Uka of Wukari (Dr. Ishaku Adda Ali, Matakitswen I), Joshua Jacob Nzamah, and Abukam Peter Adamu. (File:Nenzit Wikimedians and the Aku Uka, Matakhitswen 02.jpg. (2026, March 17). Wikimedia Commons.

The Jukun Wapan language, one of the about 17 Jukunoid languages in existence today, will be the first of them to have a Wikipedia edition in Taraba State, and maybe one of the few languages in the Middle Belt after the Tyap, Igala, Nupe, Jju, and Karekare Wikipedia editions. There are currently language editions like Bole, Berom, and Hyam Wikipedia editions being developed in the Wikimedia Incubator, and Jukun Wapan just got added to the list.

In 2022, the Tyap language, spoken in Southern Kaduna and Plateau States became the very first language in the Middle Belt to get its own Wikipedia. The Tyap Wikimedians User Group became an approved affiliate of Wikimedia Foundation Inc. (WMF), later in the same year, and the Tyap Wikimedians Organisation registered with the CAC in January 2023. Kambai Akau (Levi Kambai Timothy) leads the activities of the group and is supported by Kuyet Friday Musa and other community volunteer staff. Nenzit Wikimedians is a tag for all editors of Central Nigerian (Nenzit or Platoid) languages, consisting of the likes of Tyap, Jju, Berom, Hyam, Jukun, Tarok, Tsuvadi, and many more belonging to the Plateau, Kainji, and Jukunoid subbranches.

The Nigerian Middle Belt boasts of over 200 languages, but most of them are underdeveloped and endangered. The bigger languages spoken in Nigeria, namely: Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, including English and Nigerian Pidgin languages, are dominant. These languages tend to have more attention from the Nigerian government at the expense of the minoritized languages. Through the support from the WMF, the Nenzit Wikimedians hope to change that narrative, and document, preserve, and promote the wealth of the cultures of the Middle Belt for posterity’s sake and to instill the needed confidence for the natives of these languages to continue speaking their languages and developing their identity, especially the youths.

Image: Participants on the second day of events (File:Attendees during the Jukun Wikipedia Outreach 02.jpg. (2026, March 17). Wikimedia Commons. 

The Jukun Wikipedia Outreach was a success. It lasted from Friday, 20th to Sunday, 22nd February, 2026, with Kambai taking most of the workshop sessions, supported by Kuyet and Joshua. Prior to the program’s kick-off, many participants followed the guidelines on the Event:Jukun Wikipedia Outreach page on Meta-Wiki to create their user accounts. In the program, they learned about the Wikimedia sister projects and were shown how to navigate and create their first articles and edit them in the Wikimedia Incubator, where new Wikimedia language editions are developed before being launched publicly. At the end of the event, not less than 140 articles were created by the participants, among which was one of the sons of Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi (Kuvyon II), the previous Aku Uka of Wukari, Prince Ajifada Shekarau, who was an event co-organizer alongside Amos Jonathan Ajotsatutu, Peter Agan, and Sike-Uwbu Daude Gbana. Many writers and scholars of Jukun Wapan extraction were present, and books written in Jukun Wapan were donated to the Nenzit Wikimedians, and others were purchased. The Nenzit Wikimedians were fed with huge wraps of pounded and fish from the Benue River, experiencing the Jukun hospitality at its utmost!

Day 3’s group picture (File:A group photograph on the Day 3 of the Jukun Wikipedia Outreach 2026.jpg. (2026, March 17). Wikimedia Commons.

The top editors in the outreach program were gifted with souvenirs on the last day of the event, with Joseph Atebo N. Afyenakun, Yavini Ladi, and Jibo Paul Aten-wunu topping the first three highest editor ranks. Others were also encouraged to keep editing even after the event, to enable the project to move out of the Wikimedia Incubator within the next couple of months.

The Nenzit Wikimedia team travelled all the way from Kaduna and Zonkwa to attend the program in Wukari, and had to cross the Benue River at Ibi, where the a bridge is yet to be constructed, for the sake of bringing more underrepresented languages in the Middle Belt into lamplight because they take it s a responsibility which they owe the next generations unborn, for the preservation of the identity of the peoples of the region through online open source documentation on Wikimedia sister projects like Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons.

The group seeks the partnership of non-governmental organizations working along the same terrain to boost synergy and increase the momentum needed to preserve and enhance the linguistic identity of the underrepresented in the Middle Belt.

Plateau SSG’s Convoy Evades Terrorist Ambush in Bokkos

Jos, Plateau State— In a dramatic confrontation that eerily mirrors the security situation in the state, the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Mr. Samuel Jatau, narrowly escaped an ambush by terrorists suspected to be Fulani Ethnic Militias (FEM) on Sunday during a humanitarian visit to communities devastated by recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area.

The incident, which unfolded near Hurti community in Monguna district, stands as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region

As Mr. Jatau’s convoy approached the area, gunmen concealed in surrounding terrain opened fire, likely planning to execute another devastating attack. However, unlike countless previous incidents in the state, the security team’s swift and effective response forced the attackers to retreat into nearby mountains, a security personnel who witnessed the incident told MBT.

“I lack words to express my sorrow and anger. We just tested what these communities are feeling,” recounted a visibly shaken Jatau. “I was looking at my phone in the car when I suddenly heard gunshots. When I looked up, I saw two young men running into the bush, armed with guns.” Jatau told journalists after the incident.

The attack came just days after a deadly raid that claimed over 40 lives in the same area, part of a troubling pattern of violence that has plagued several regions in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Yet security experts note that the quick repulsion of the attackers demonstrates a marked improvement in tactical response—similar to developments that have helped stabilize Southern Kaduna after years of devastating conflict.

“We saw the destruction firsthand. Over 40 people were killed, homes were destroyed, and entire livelihoods were wiped out,” Jatau continued, describing the aftermath of the previous attack. “The terrorists looted essential goods like 26 bags of potatoes worth N80,000 each from one home. These are peasant farmers; how do they recover from this? We must do better than this as a country.” The SSG said.

Bokkos local government has come under sustained deadly attacks by terrorists in recent months. In December 2023, over 200 people, including women and children, were brutally murdered by FEM militias who launched coordinated attacks across 25 villages on Christmas Eve.

Eagle Brain Fights for Justice: Nigerian Worker’s Eye Injured in Attack by Turkish Manager

Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization led a protest yesterday in Kaduna demanding justice for Mr. Thompson Emmanuel, who was allegedly assaulted and detained following a dispute with his former employer at a Turkish company operating within the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) complex.

According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred on October 25, 2024, when he approached the Personnel Manager of Motech United Industry Limited, Mr. Gencayl, to discuss outstanding payments following his disengagement from the company. Emmanuel, who worked as a welder for the KRPC maintenance contractor, claims the situation escalated into violence.

“I went to discuss my pending payments with him, but he questioned why I was in his office,” Emmanuel recounted. “After an argument erupted, he struck my head repeatedly with a helmet.” The assault allegedly resulted in head injuries and trauma to one of Emmanuel’s eyes.

Rather than providing medical attention, Emmanuel alleges that the company handed him over to DSS (Department of State Services) personnel stationed at the facility. “I couldn’t afford proper hospital treatment and had to resort to getting basic care from a local chemist,” Emmanuel said, explaining his decision to seek help from Eagle Brain.

The protesters, carrying placards with messages such as “You must respect the rights of our citizens” and “Justice must be served,” were eventually granted access to the KRPC compound for discussions with management.

Mr. Daniel Ejembi, Chief Executive Officer of Eagle Brain, spoke to journalists after meeting with company officials. “We became involved after Mr. Emmanuel reported this violation of his rights,” Ejembi stated. “Our organization is demanding appropriate compensation for the victim and ensuring that justice is served.”

According to Ejembi, the company has agreed to provide medical treatment for Emmanuel and is considering their demands, while also requesting leniency for their staff member. “While we await the fulfillment of their promises, we are pursuing legal action to ensure accountability,” he added. “We want this case to serve as a deterrent against the victimization of workers.”

Attempts to reach Motech United Industry Limited for comment were unsuccessful, as security personnel denied media access to the KRPC premises.

The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of local workers by foreign companies operating in Nigeria, with Eagle Brain emphasizing the need for better protection of workers’ rights and proper grievance resolution mechanisms.

Blind Justice: New Report Exposes Unchecked Slaughter in Nigeria’s Middle Belt

…Data Mapping Shows disproportionate killings of Christians

By Steven Kefas

In a damning indictment of Nigeria’s security apparatus, a four-year study has revealed a stark disparity in the government’s response to terrorist activities across the country. The report, released by the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), paints a grim picture of unchecked violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly in the North Central Zone and Southern Kaduna.

The study, which spans from October 2019 to September 2023, documented over 55,000 killings and mapped thousands of farm massacres and mass abductions. Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that a little-known terror group, the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), has been carrying out mass killings hundreds of times a year in this region with apparent impunity.

According to the report, the North Central zone alone witnessed 3,007 incidents of extreme violence during the study period. Of these, 2,010 incidents involved killings, 700 were abduction incidents, and 297 were a combination of both.

The data mapping reveals a troubling pattern: while security operations are concentrated in the North-East and North-West of Nigeria, the scenes of FEM atrocities in the Middle Belt remain largely unattended. This glaring disparity has left millions of civilians undefended against brutal attacks.

Frans Vierhout, Senior Analyst at ORFA, noted, “For years, we’ve heard of calls for help being ignored, as terrorists attack vulnerable communities. Now the data tells its own story.”

The report’s findings are stark:

1. Of the 55,910 people killed in the context of terror groups in Nigeria within the four years, the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) was responsible for at least 42% of all civilian deaths. This far outstrips the combined 10% attributed to Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
2. Land-based community attacks form the largest category of civilian killings (81%), with FEM invading small Christian farming settlements to kill, rape, abduct, and burn homes.
3. Christians are disproportionately affected, with 2.7 Christians killed for every Muslim in the reporting period. In states where attacks occur, the proportional loss to Christian communities is 6.5 times higher than that of Muslim communities.

The report also highlights the escalating trend of abductions, another hallmark of Islamist terror in the region. The number of people abducted rose dramatically from 1,665 in 2020 to 7,705 in 2022, with a slight decrease to 6,255 in 2023. Christians are 1.4 times more likely to be abducted than Muslims, and in terms of local populations, the ratio rises to 5.1 Christians for every Muslim abducted.

The Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, an analyst partnering with ORFA, emphasized the targeted nature of these attacks: “Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands. Kidnappers work to Islamist goals. Where young women are kidnapped, tortured and sexually violated, hope for normal married life, and family, may vanish.”

The humanitarian impact of this unchecked violence is staggering. By the end of 2023, the International Displacement Monitoring Centre reported that 3.3 million Nigerians were forcibly displaced from their homes, surviving in makeshift camps.

As the Middle Belt continues to bleed, the authors of the ORFA data project have urged the international community to examine the data and do more to fully understand the scale of the challenge facing Nigeria. The report serves as a wake-up call, not only to the Nigerian government but to the global community, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced and effective approach to combating terrorism across all regions of Nigeria.

The silence in the face of such widespread atrocities raises serious questions about the Nigerian government’s commitment to protecting all its citizens equally. As the Middle Belt bears the brunt of this unchecked violence, the cry for justice grows louder, demanding immediate and decisive action to stem the tide of bloodshed and restore peace to this beleaguered region.

Innovation in Defence: DICON-TETFund Partnership Poised to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Security Landscape

In a significant move that could reshape Nigeria’s security landscape, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called for a strategic partnership between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This collaboration is expected to drive innovation within the defence sector through enhanced academic engagement and research.

The partnership discussion was highlighted during a courtesy visit by Mr. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, to the Chief of Defence Staff in Abuja. General Musa emphasized the critical role that education plays in advancing military capabilities, pointing out that a well-educated force is essential for the effective and efficient delivery of defence services. According to him, the synergy between defence and academia could lead to unprecedented technological advancements that would significantly bolster national security.

“DICON, as our key defence production body, stands to gain immensely from the research capabilities of Nigerian universities,” General Musa stated. “This partnership with TETFund will not only enhance our technological output but will also place Nigeria on the global map as a leader in defence innovations.”

Mr. Echono, in his remarks, underscored the importance of integrating academic research with practical military applications. He praised the Armed Forces for their ongoing support of educational initiatives, noting that the stability provided by the military has allowed for significant progress in the country’s educational sector despite the challenges posed by insecurity.

“The Armed Forces have always been at the forefront of supporting innovation,” Mr. Echono said.

Source: Voice of Nigeria (VON)

Army Defends Generals Accused Of Diverting Troops’ Allowances

The Nigerian Army, on Monday, refuted reports alleging the diversion of the Ration Cash Allowance of troops deployed to secure Chinese nationals working at the ongoing Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam Project in Niger State.

In a report by some online media platforms last week, some troops alleged that they had not been paid their RCA for three months by their erstwhile Commanding General Officers, Maj. Gen. Alabi and Brig. Gen. Jamiu Jimoh, accusing them of diverting their allowance.

However, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, said the service under the current leadership had zero tolerance for any form of financial misappropriation among other actions which could dampen the morale of troops.

He noted that after investigating the claims in the report, the service found that the allegations were incorrect.

Onyema explained that the allowance was paid in tranches, noting that the last part had been on February 28, 2023.

He added that while the next tranche was being processed, the service had paid the affected troops allowance from March to June.

He said, “Preliminary investigation reveals that troops deployed to the Chinese company in Niger State have always been paid in tranches by the NA on receipt of the funds from the institution concerned.

“Accordingly, the last tranche payment of RCA by the affected institution for the troops deployed, elapsed on February 28, 2023. While the next tranche of payment is being processed, Army Headquarters has paid the troops covering the period March 1 to June 30, 2023, in a bid to ameliorate the operating conditions of the troops and keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.

“Additionally, to cushion the effect of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily and this has been a routine. The troops’ RCA was, therefore, not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or anyone else, as wrongly portrayed.”

SOURCE: Punch

Civil Rights Group Condemns killing Of Security Operatives In Imo

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), a civil rights organisation has described as tragic, the events that unfolded in Ehime Mbano in Imo State, where dedicated security personnel were killed by unknown assailants.

CEHRAWS, in statement signed by Okoye Chuka Peter, its executive director, and made available to BusinessDay in Aba, frowned at violence and called for swift justice for the perpetrators.

It extended its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the horrifying murder of the security personnel on duty in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.

CEHRAWS however, said that it found itself compelled to address the distressing state-sponsored mass atrocity that followed, camouflaged as a reprisal attack.

“This approach, rooted in retaliation, stands as a deeply disturbing and primitive means of enforcing law and order. CEHRAWS categorically condemns such actions, recognising that they not only violate human rights, but also exacerbate the cycle of violence and mistrust within the region,” it said.

Drawing attention to a different response in Niger State, where a comparable incident occurred, CEHRAWS commends the governor’s proactive measures to protect the citizens, following an attack on a military jet, allegedly by bandits.

“This responsible leadership prioritised the safety and well-being of the people, emphasising dialogue and conflict resolution over vengeful actions.

“CEHRAWS earnestly calls upon the Governor of Imo State to emulate the responsible and compassionate leadership demonstrated by his counterpart in Niger State, as the chief security officer of his state.

“Rather than allowing the aggrieved security agents to resort to reprisal attacks that target innocent civilians of the said community,” the group said.

They implored the governor to prioritise the protection of his constituents and the restoration of peace within the affected community.

It also advocated for a transparent and impartial investigation into the events that transpired in Ehime Mbano.

The group observed that primary goal of security operatives should be the swift apprehension and just prosecution of those responsible for the murder of their colleagues and not retaliation, which it noted was the path toward enduring peace and stability within the cherished South-East region.

“CEHRAWS remains resolute in its commitment to advocating for human rights, justice, and an inclusive society for all,” it said.

The group called on all stakeholders, including government authorities, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens, to join it in condemning violence, safeguarding human rights, and nurturing an environment of peace and reconciliation in the South-East.

SOURCE: BusinessDay

World Peace Day: Para-Mallam Peace Foundation Pays Courtesy Visit to 3 Div GOC in Jos

By Steven Kefas

In commemoration of the International World Peace Day on September 21st, 2023, the prominent Jos-based Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and STF Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, Major General AE Abubakar.

The visit highlighted the Army’s pivotal role in working assiduously to restore peace, security and bring stability across Plateau and neighboring States under the leadership of Maj Gen Abubakar.

The peace delegation was led by The Revd Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of the Foundation, along with his wife, Prof. Olufunmilayo Para-Mallam, mni, a Director of Studies (DOE) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). They were joined by Sheikh Adam Ghazali, Deputy Imam of the Central Mosque Jos and a Judge at the CAC Court, as well as other foundation Staff members.

Addressing the GOC, The Revd Dr. Para-Mallam expressed the foundation’s profound gratitude to Maj Gen Abubakar for his proactive efforts in curbing violence across Plateau State since assuming duty as both GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH).

He noted that the General took command at a turbulent time but has succeeded in drastically reducing the incidences of attacks and promoting peace and security not just in Plateau but neighboring states such as Kaduna through his decisive leadership.

Dr. Para-Mallam also took the opportunity to brief the GOC on the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation’s impactful interventions over the years. This includes community peace building activities in Plateau and Kaduna States for example. Advocacy, Research and document, youth mentorship programs, building capacity for women in peace building programs and inter-religious dialogues.

Echoing similar sentiments, Sheikh Ghazali lauded the GOC’s swift and robust actions which have brought tremendous relief to Plateau residents. He assured the GOC of the foundation’s commitment to supporting ongoing peacebuilding efforts through their rich archives and resources.

In his response, Maj Gen Abubakar welcomed the foundation’s delegation and hailed their efforts in complementing the Army’s peacekeeping operations. While acknowledging the persisting security challenges, he reiterated the importance of community-driven peace initiatives as a viable solution beyond kinetic interventions alone.

The GOC pledged the unwavering support of 3rd Armoured Division towards the foundation’s peace programs aimed at permanently healing age-long divisions in society. He expressed confidence that Plateau will regain its status as the ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’ through collective action.

Professor Funmilayo Para-Mallam, mni in her vote of thanks expressed profound gratitude to the GOC for the remarkable work he is doing as STF Commander. Professor Para-Mallam who is the Director of Studies of The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) said the results of the GOC’s impact since taking over the command of the STF have become reference points beyond Plateau. She commended the General and prayed that God will continue to guide him in all his activities.

Recall that prior to his assumption of office as GOC and STF Commander, Plateau state was known for frequent attacks and killings with the figures of people killed between April And July 2023 put at 346 according to data released by The Para-Mallam Peace Foundation in July. General Abubakar’s  examplary leadership since taken over Command has led to a drastic reduction in attacks and killings in the state.

The World Peace Day visit highlights the collaborative approach between the military and civil society groups in tackling insecurity across Nigeria’s restive Middle Belt. With the Army adopting a more community-focused strategy, groups such as the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation seeks to promote, and both hope to remain critical partners in working to see a Plateau, Kaduna, Benue and other States; that one day attacks on communities will become history.