Borno State Government and Peace Ambassador Center Hold Town Hall Meeting on Peace and Security with the theme: Navigating the future, Achievement, Emerging trend and the way Forward

The Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, in partnership with the Peace Ambassador Center for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment and with funding from the British Council, convened a town hall meeting on February 13, 2025, at the Women Development Center, Maiduguri. The forum provided a platform for key stakeholders to assess current achievements, explore new approaches, and chart a path forward for sustainable peace in the state

The meeting brought together government officials, military agencies including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—as well as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), traditional rulers, civil society organizations, women and youth groups, academia, the media, victims of insurgency, and repentant insurgents.

Declaring the meeting open, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, represented by the Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Babagana Mustapha, urged participants to engage meaningfully, emphasizing that the state government would take the discussions into serious consideration. Also in attendance was Alkali L. Musa, who represented the Office of the Secretary to the Borno State Government in his capacity as the Director of Administration and Supply.

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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army was represented by Garrison Commander Nurulhayat Garba Mohammed. Dr. Bunu Mustapha, Program Manager of the Peace Ambassador Center, provided an overview of the peace and security situation in Borno, setting the stage for discussions. This was followed by an address from Ms. Hussaini Mohammed, who took participants through the objectives of the meeting, emphasizing the need to review and engage stakeholders in dialogue on peace and security issues in the state.

In his remarks, Ambassador Ahmed Shehu, President and Founder of the Peace Ambassador Center, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to strengthening peace initiatives in collaboration with the British Council. He highlighted ongoing efforts aligned with the Borno Model, implemented through the Office of the State Security Adviser, General Isahaq (Retired), to enhance security and promote stability across the state.

The town hall meeting featured a plenary discussion in which all participants actively engaged in conversations about the state's security landscape. Stakeholders commended the military’s kinetic operations but emphasized the importance of non-kinetic approaches such as peacebuilding, reconciliation, and community engagement. Participants also stressed the critical role of education and parental care in fostering long-term security and stability. Other key issues discussed included gender-based violence, transitional justice, access to farmland, and socio-economic development.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Secretariat was tasked with compiling a comprehensive communiqué and policy document for government consideration. Participants also called for the institutionalization of similar forums to ensure ongoing dialogue and sustained peace efforts in Borno State.

This town hall meeting marks another significant step in the collaborative efforts between the Borno State Goxvernment, civil society, security agencies, and international partners in fostering dialogue, resilience, and lasting peace in the region.