Presidential Community Engagement Team, Defence Ministry Forge Partnership to Strengthen Community-Driven Security

The strategic meeting, held in Abuja, was led by Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), alongside senior officials of the Ministry of Defence. Discussions centred on building sustainable partnerships that place communities at the heart of intelligence gathering, trust-building, and conflict prevention across the country’s regions.

Participants underscored the critical role of community engagement in addressing security challenges, noting that effective communication and trust between citizens and security agencies remain essential. Key focus areas included strengthening intelligence flow through community networks, improving public awareness of the Ministry’s interventions at the local level, and creating clear feedback channels to ensure community concerns inform policy and operations.

As a major outcome of the engagement, both parties agreed to constitute a joint working team to drive implementation. Plans are also underway to organise regional security summits that will bring together local, state, and federal government officials, alongside community representatives. These forums will provide citizens with a direct platform to present security concerns for timely and appropriate action.

To further enhance coordination, a direct communication channel has been established between the Ministry of Defence and the Presidential Community Engagement Team. Through this partnership, emphasis will be placed on engaging non-state actors, designing programmes that positively engage young people, and discouraging activities that fuel insecurity.

The initiative is expected to strengthen trust between communities and security agencies while addressing the underlying factors driving insecurity nationwide, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and people-centred security solutions.

Members of the Presidential Community Engagement Team present at the meeting included Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, SSA Community Engagement (North West); Chioma Nweze, SSA Community Engagement (South East); Dr Abiodun Essiet, SSA Community Engagement (North Central); and Moremi Ojudu, SSA Community Engagement (South West).

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