Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has called for enhanced cooperation between the military and civil society as part of the broader effort to address the country’s evolving security threats. 

Speaking in Edo State where he unveiled a newly constructed block of classrooms at Orhueren Central School under the Nigerian Navy’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project, Abbas highlighted the importance of joint action between the armed forces and communities to strengthen national safety and development. 

He described such civil-military partnerships as essential not only for advancing security objectives but also for improving the wellbeing of citizens through targeted social investments.

Vice Admiral Abbas explained that the classroom project, part of the Navy’s ongoing civil-military cooperation mandate launched in 2024, reflects the service’s commitment to supporting the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and enhancing educational opportunities in local communities. 

He emphasised that building trust and collaboration with civilians is crucial for long-term stability, noting that security actions alone cannot resolve all threats without community engagement and support. The naval chief urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the new facilities, which he believes will contribute to better learning outcomes and improved quality of life in the area.

The call for stronger civil-military ties comes amid wider national emphasis on cooperative security strategies, with other military leaders also advocating closer partnerships with communities and inter-agency coordination to combat terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality. Such collaborative efforts, which encompass both kinetic operations and socio-development initiatives, are seen as vital components in Nigeria’s broader approach to restoring peace and stability across the country.