CDS Storms Imo With Olive Branch, Not Bullets, To Tackle Insecurity

Determined to end insecurity through peaceful means, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has extended his dialogue-focused initiative to Imo State, engaging with communities at odds with the military.

A delegation from Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters in Abuja visited two Imo State communities—Mgbirichi and Obinze—on Wednesday to listen to residents’ concerns and seek peaceful resolutions. The team, led by Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, engaged with community leaders and locals to address grievances primarily related to land disputes involving the military.

In Mgbirichi, the delegation was received by the traditional ruler, His Majesty Eze A. R. Ikegwuruka, Ezeahurukwe II of Mgbirichi/Abakuru Land. At a subsequent town hall meeting, residents voiced frustration over the 34 Artillery Brigade’s alleged encroachment beyond the boundaries of the land originally donated for the military barracks.

Eze Ikegwuruka claimed that the land was no longer being fully utilized for military operations and urged that any unused portions be returned to the community, which needs it for farming and other economic activities. He also expressed concerns over growing insecurity, including kidnappings and the threat posed by herders, and appealed for greater military assistance.

While reaffirming the community’s longstanding peaceful relationship with the brigade, the monarch lamented recent tensions stemming from unauthorized land demarcations and land use that, according to locals, deviates from its original purpose. He stressed the importance of peaceful resolution, stating that the community has avoided violence and prefers dialogue.

Group Captain Bukar explained that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, believes that addressing insecurity requires more than just force. He emphasized the military’s commitment to dialogue, community engagement, and correcting misinformation on social media that undermines national security. He urged community leaders to talk to their youths and discourage the spread of false narratives and violent agitation, especially regarding IPOB activities.

At the town hall, community members alleged that parts of their donated land were being repurposed for commercial estate development rather than military use. Elder Emma Ubaka, President-General of the Mgbirichi Town Union, called for the military to return the extra land not originally allocated to them in the 1970s.

In Obinze, the traditional ruler, Eze A. C. Enyinnaya (JP), Nzeukwu I of Obinze, echoed similar concerns. He highlighted herders destroying farmland, soldiers allegedly disrupting local businesses like sand dredging, and the rise of kidnapping and illicit drug markets near the barracks.

Responding to these concerns, Group Captain Bukar and Captain A. Akubo, the Brigade’s public relations officer, assured residents that their complaints would be forwarded to the Defence Headquarters and promised continued dialogue and responsiveness from the military to address local issues.