The Commander of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum, has stressed the importance of building strong civil-military relations to address the security challenges facing Zamfara State.
Speaking at a Civil-Military Relations Framework and Assessment Workshop in Zamfara, organized by CLEEN Foundation, Brig. Gen. Opurum highlighted that trust and collaboration between the military and civilians are crucial to establishing lasting peace and stability in the region.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Local Capacity Towards Promoting Civil-Military Relations in Zamfara State,” gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, civil society, community leaders, security agencies, and the military, to foster dialogue and collaboration. Brig. Gen. Opurum acknowledged the diverse expertise present, emphasizing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and a cooperative approach to security.
“The Nigerian Army recognizes the pivotal role that civil-military relations play in our operational effectiveness and in safeguarding our national interests within the framework of democratic governance,” he stated. Opurum added that the army’s commitment includes deploying trained legal officers across units to ensure human rights compliance, including within the 1 Brigade.
Given the security challenges in Zamfara, Brig. Gen. Opurum expressed the army’s dedication to building community trust and shared that strengthening civil-military relations is essential for curbing banditry and fostering a safer environment for all residents.
He urged participants to contribute openly, saying, “A strong partnership with civilian stakeholders will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also promote a deeper understanding of the military’s role among the local populace.”
The Commander lauded CLEEN Foundation for organizing the workshop, noting that such initiatives are instrumental in aligning efforts across sectors to address the complexities of civil-military interaction. He emphasized on the importance of community engagement in facilitating vital information flow, which he said is crucial for security efforts.
In closing, Brig. Gen. Opurum expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment to fostering peace in Zamfara State. He called for sustained collaboration, emphasizing that the workshop presented an opportunity to forge a framework for civil-military relations aimed at achieving socio-economic development and enduring stability in Zamfara.
“Together, let us capitalize on this momentum, forge meaningful partnerships, and construct a framework for engagement that not only addresses our current security challenges but builds a brighter future for our communities,” he concluded.
The workshop is expected to strengthen local capacity and lay the foundation for effective civil-military cooperation, promoting a safer and more prosperous Zamfara State.
