Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to provide credible information to security agencies, saying timely local intelligence is essential to tackling insecurity.
Shaibu made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Offa, Kwara State.
Represented by the Chief of Personnel Management at Army Headquarters, Major General Adewale Adekeye, the Army chief said the meeting created an opportunity for security agencies to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women, public officials and community representatives.
He urged stakeholders to report security concerns promptly and discourage the spread of false information capable of creating fear, division or conflict.
The COAS said stronger community cooperation would improve early detection of threats and support more effective security responses.
He also commended organizers of the forum for creating a platform for dialogue and information sharing.
Chief of Civil-Military Affairs Major General Musa Etsu Ndagi said the programme formed part of efforts to deepen civil-military relations and build mutual trust between security institutions and the communities they serve.
Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi II, said stronger engagement between the military and local communities would improve cooperation and contribute to peace and security.
The Army said the forum reflected its broader approach of combining operational activity with community engagement and intelligence gathering.
