Service Chiefs, Diplomats Push for Stronger Synergy to Address Nigeria’s Security Challenges

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Top military chiefs and members of the diplomatic community have called for a stronger and more coordinated approach to tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action alone.

The call was made on Friday in Abuja during the first anniversary and General Assembly of the International Society of Diplomats (ISD), Nigeria Chapter, which brought together senior officers of the Armed Forces, foreign envoys, peace advocates, and development experts to explore the role of diplomacy in national security.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Air Commodore E.P. Bindul said the Nigerian Air Force recognises the limitations of military power in achieving long-term stability, adding that diplomacy and strategic partnerships remain critical to addressing complex security threats across the country and the sub-region.

“Military capabilities alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. Diplomacy, leadership engagement, and strategic alliances are vital complements to the ongoing efforts of the Armed Forces to address security challenges confronting our country and the West African sub-region,” he said.

He explained that closer synergy between the military and diplomatic bodies would not only enhance humanitarian interventions and conflict prevention initiatives but also help promote regional stability and sustainable development.

Other top military officers representing the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Defence Headquarters also underscored the importance of collaboration and intelligence-sharing among security agencies, diplomatic missions, and civil institutions. They emphasised that non-kinetic strategies — such as peace education, community engagement, and socio-economic inclusion — are key to achieving lasting stability.

In his remarks, the Country Director and Head of Mission of ISD Nigeria, Mr. Edet Ekpeyong, said the organisation’s first anniversary was designed to renew public consciousness about peace, diplomacy, and global cooperation.

He stressed that the society had adopted empowerment and capacity-building programmes as part of its peace agenda, noting that creating opportunities for citizens, especially youths, remains one of the most effective ways to curb insecurity.

“We are approaching peacebuilding differently — through empowerment initiatives that give people hope and help reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities. Peace cannot thrive where poverty and exclusion persist,” he said.

Ekpeyong further disclosed that the ISD was investing in training programmes that expose young Nigerians to international diplomacy, equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to become future peace advocates and global leaders.

The event, which drew participation from diplomats, scholars, civil society organisations, and representatives of government agencies, featured panel discussions on the theme, “The Role of Diplomacy in Strengthening Regional Peace and Security.”

Speakers at the forum urged African nations to deepen cooperation in intelligence exchange, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding initiatives, while also advocating for stronger institutional frameworks to address insecurity and governance challenges.

Nigeria continues to face a complex security environment marked by insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts across several regions. While the military has sustained operations to restore order, experts maintain that complementary diplomatic, political, and socio-economic measures remain indispensable for achieving sustainable peace.

The gathering ended with a renewed call for continuous dialogue, inclusive governance, and stronger regional partnerships as the pathway to a more secure and peaceful Nigeria.