Nigerian Army vows to cush violence, protect farmers in Southern Kaduna

By Kingsley Chukwuka

The Nigerian Army has vowed to intensify operations against criminal networks and instigators of communal violence in Southern Kaduna, with a focus on preventing attacks during the harvest season and strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Maxwell Dangana, gave the assurance during the fourth edition of a one-day security stakeholder seminar in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Dangana said the military would adopt a proactive operational strategy to identify, track and neutralise violent elements before they could attack innocent residents.

He also warned against the exploitation of religious and ethnic differences to trigger communal conflicts, stressing that individuals and groups responsible for instigating violence would face appropriate military action.

The seminar, themed “Bridging the Divide: Uniting Farmers, Herders, and Youths for a Prosperous Community,” brought together traditional rulers, community representatives, youth leaders, security experts and other stakeholders to discuss the causes of communal tensions and develop strategies for lasting peace.

Participants examined the underlying drivers of conflicts involving farmers, herders and youths, with emphasis on strengthening community relations and establishing mechanisms for peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the event, the Sector Commander of Sub-Sector 71 Sanga, Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Galadima, described the seminar as an important component of the military’s non-kinetic approach to security management.

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He explained that although combat operations remained necessary against armed groups that continued to threaten communities, dialogue and community engagement were equally important in addressing longstanding grievances.

According to Galadima, non-kinetic interventions would help prevent conflicts from escalating, resolve disputes at the grassroots level and promote sustainable peace across the Joint Operations Area.

He called for regular interfaith and cross-cultural engagements to bridge historical divisions, improve mutual understanding and build trust among communities.

The military’s approach combines security operations with dialogue and reconciliation efforts intended to address both the immediate threats posed by armed groups and the underlying factors contributing to communal violence.

Dangana also underscored the importance of restoring stability across Southern Kaduna, Plateau State and neighbouring communities in Bauchi State.

He noted that sustained security was essential for agricultural productivity, rural economic development and broader national economic stability.

The focus on farmers and herders comes amid persistent concerns about communal tensions and insecurity in parts of the region, where violence can disrupt farming activities, threaten livelihoods and undermine food production.

The Army said continued collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, youths and local communities would be crucial to preventing violence and consolidating peace.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of efforts by Operation ENDURING PEACE to complement military operations with community-based initiatives aimed at addressing grievances and improving security across affected areas.