Convener of Peace Achiever International Conference and Awards and Founder of Davdan Peace and Advocacy Foundation, Kingsley Amafibe, has called on Nigeria’s Service chiefs to strengthen peace and security by working closely with local security agencies, community structures, and civil society groups.

In a statement in Abuja, Amafibe congratulated the new defence leadership team, describing their appointments as an “opportunity to reset Nigeria’s security architecture and foster peace through collaboration and intelligence sharing.”

He stressed that tackling insecurity requires more than military force, urging strategic cooperation with vigilance groups, traditional rulers, and community organisations.

“Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted in local communities. To win this battle for peace, our Service chiefs must build bridges with local agencies, which understand the terrain and the people,” Amafibe said. “It’s time for an integrated approach where military intelligence, local vigilance, and civil engagement work as one.”

He further called on the new leadership to prioritise intelligence gathering, early warning systems, and youth empowerment, noting that unemployment and poverty remain major drivers of insecurity.

“A peaceful nation is achievable when the military partners with the people. Security should not be seen as the responsibility of uniformed officers alone but as a collective civic duty,” he added.

Amafibe commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointments and expressed optimism that the new team will “deliver results through professionalism, accountability, and genuine collaboration with all stakeholders.”

He also reiterated Peace Achievers International’s readiness to support national peace-building initiatives through advocacy, dialogue, and youth development programmes aimed at countering extremism and violence.

The statement comes ahead of the Peace Achievers International Conference and Awards 2025, which will convene leaders from various sectors to discuss strategies for sustaining peace and security in Nigeria.