IBB: Communities and Armed Forces Must Urgently Collaborate

Concerned by the growing insecurity across the country, former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida urged a serious partnership between local communities and the armed forces.

He said that such collaboration would improve the security situation nationwide.

Babangida made the remarks at his Minna uphill residence while hosting participants of Senior Course 48 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.

“There is an urgent need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies in order to address contemporary security challenges facing the country,” Babangida told the course participants.

He stressed the value of study tours, which he said enhance senior military officers’ knowledge and operational capabilities, especially in areas related to national security and community engagement.

Babangida praised the Command and Staff College for maintaining a culture of strategic learning and professional military development, and urged the participants to make the most of the opportunities offered by the study tour.

Air Commodore O.O. Obasa, leader of the delegation, highlighted General Babangida’s lasting legacy, particularly his pivotal role in establishing the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Obasa recalled that the former military president laid the foundation stone for the Department of Air Warfare on 3 July 1986 and commissioned it on 4 July 1987, calling the initiative a landmark contribution to military training and national development.

The visit’s highlight was the presentation of a college souvenir to Babangida as a mark of honour and appreciation.