By Miriam Humbe
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, (AFN) has continued to massively embark on development Projects in its commitment to civil-military cooperation, community resilience and the welfare of host communities.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja while briefing journalists on Friday at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, said the projects underscored the Armed Forces’ commitment to non-kinetic operations, improved civilian welfare, stronger civil-military relations and sustainable peace in host communities.
Major General Onoja said the Nigerian Army sustained its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives through a Key Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum held in Offa, Kwara South, on 22 September 2026, followed by medical outreaches at Oke Ode on 23 September, Omu-Aron on 25 September, Erin-Ile on 26 September and Ilemona on 27 September 2026.
Similarly, the Nigerian Navy undertook community development projects across several states in October 2026.
These include the reconstruction of Okwu Owerre Community Hall, provision of a solar-powered industrial borehole, water storage and reticulation facilities at Uzoubi-Umuna, Orlu LGA of Imo State on 7 October 2026.
Perimeter fencing of Omolaiye Community School in Ikorodu North LGA of Lagos State on 13 October 2026.
This was followed by the installation of an industrial solar borehole, 35,000-litre overhead water tank and reticulation system at Oke Ejigbo, Ila Orangun, Osun State on 22 October 2026, 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 31 October 2026.
These initiatives aim to improve healthcare, access to potable water, education, community infrastructure and public welfare.
In Operation DELTA SAFE, the Civil-Military Cooperation team facilitated two mediation meetings on 16 October 2026 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 25 October 2026, a stakeholders’ peace and reconciliation meeting was held to address tensions between Okpoama and Diema communities in Brass LGA.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) 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 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 12 October 2026, a primary healthcare centre and industrial borehole at Gadabuke Development Area, Toto LGA of Nasarawa State, on 15 October, a modern Computer-Based Test laboratory at Government Science Secondary School, Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, on 14 October 2026, and 25 solar streetlights and a functional borehole at Igbore Community, Abeokuta South LGA of Ogun State, on 24 October 2026.
