By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Saturday restated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral communities.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, gave the assurance at Durumi IDP Camp in Abuja, during an outreach organised to mark the International Day of Peace.
Musa was represented by the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole.
He said the armed forces had intensified operations to clear terrorists and other criminal elements from affected communities, stressing that beyond battlefield victories, the military remained committed to human security, peacebuilding and development.
“Security is not only about defeating terrorists.
“It is also about food security, health, education, and the right to live with dignity.
“These palliatives are a temporary relief as we work to return families safely to their homes,” he said.
The CDS urged women and children in the camp to embrace peace and unity, adding that without stability there could be no sustainable development.
“We are soldiers and we can fight, but what we want is peace. We want Nigerians to see us as partners in progress, not adversaries,” he added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Defence Gender Desk, Flight Lt. Ayaka Kotso, sensitised camp residents on the dangers of drug abuse, domestic violence and negative coping mechanisms, particularly among youths.
Koto said the military was not only fighting wars but also promoting awareness on social issues that undermine peace, urging the displaced to avoid behaviours that could worsen their vulnerability.
The Managing Director, Rapid Broadcasting Network, Faith Safe, represented by Mr Godwin Amunde, pledged continuous partnership with the armed forces in advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Dafe said the media had a duty to amplify the voices of displaced persons and push for stronger support from government and international partners.
According to her, peace and reintegration cannot be achieved without sustained collaboration between the security forces, humanitarian actors, and the media.
On his part, the Coordinator of Abuja IDP Camps, Malam Idris Halilu, commended the military for its interventions, describing the outreach as a morale booster for displaced families.
Halilu appealed to the federal government and donor agencies to invest more in rebuilding destroyed communities, schools and healthcare facilities to facilitate sustainable resettlement.
He stressed that the IDPs were eager to return home but needed assurance of security and basic amenities to restart their lives.
The event featured distribution of food, clothing and school supplies to women and children in the camp, as well as medical support and counselling. (NAN)