The Jigawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and community leaders as part of efforts to enhance trust and cooperation in security initiatives across the state.

Governor Umar Namadi made this known while declaring open a two-day paper presentation and interactive session for participants of Senior Course 48 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, held at Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall in Dutse.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engineer Aminu Usman, the governor said community engagement remained a critical component in addressing modern security challenges, stressing that security could no longer be handled by the military alone.

According to him, the state government has continued to strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders, and grassroots security structures to build public trust, improve intelligence gathering, and promote peaceful coexistence.

“We have strengthened our engagement with traditional rulers and community leaders to build trust, enhance intelligence gathering, and promote peaceful coexistence. We also support grassroots participation in security initiatives,” he said.

Governor Namadi explained that through community policing structures, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and collaboration with local leaders, Jigawa has maintained relative peace and stability, enabling the government to focus on development sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and economic empowerment.

He noted that the theme of the study tour, “Promoting Community Engagement for National Security and Prosperity,” was timely and relevant to the current realities facing the country.

“The involvement of communities as active stakeholders is indispensable. Security challenges in the modern world are increasingly complex and require strong collaboration between the armed forces, civil authorities, and the communities they serve,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, welcomed the participants and described the college as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for training operational and strategic leaders.

He said the study tour would provide participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and gain practical exposure to governance, security management, and intergovernmental collaboration.

The SSG reiterated the commitment of the Jigawa State Government to improving citizens’ welfare through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, and economic development.

Also speaking, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, leader of the delegation, described Jigawa as peaceful, hospitable, and development-oriented.

He disclosed that the state was selected for the exercise because of its reputation as one of the most peaceful and stable states in the country.