NGO, Partner Security Operatives To Train Community Leaders On Safety Against Unexploded IEDs

April 02, (THEWILL) – The Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), in collaboration with the Community Protection Committee (CPC), has reiterated that its interventions will continue to enhance protection and mitigate threats against civilians in Monguno and Konduga local government areas of Borno state.

The CIVIC Program Team Lead, in the person of Miss Saratu Pindar, disclosed the four-day joint awareness campaign with security operatives in Monguno town, Monguno at the weekend in the state.

Saratu said the training was centred on the identification and reporting of unexploded ordnance sightings, fire safety and mishaps prevention, and other protection threats and risks.

She noted that the awareness campaign was necessitated to sensitise the communities on the emerging protection risks and threats they might encounter as communities continue to transition into the stabilisation phase of the conflict.

She said, “We are committed to empowering communities with the right knowledge and tools to mitigate these risks effectively, we have been able to serve 400 people in both Monguno and Konduga respectively.”

She disclosed that the recent tick-in protection threat against civilians in their communities of return spurred the CPCs and protection actors alongside security operatives to enlighten the populace.

“At the heart of our mission lies the commitment to continue advocating for the safeguarding, the well-being, and protection of the communities we serve.

“This joint mass awareness campaign underscores our dedication to ensuring that communities are equipped with the necessary information and strategies to navigate the challenges they may face, ultimately fostering safer communities for all”, she said.

In his remarks, the Community Liaison Officer and CPC in Konduga LGA, Mallam Habib Maidugu, also expressed his optimism that the joint mass awareness campaign marks a significant milestone in CPC’s ongoing efforts to promote community protection and resilience in Monguno and Konduga councils.

“We recognise the importance of community engagement and ownership in addressing protection concerns.

“By working hand-in-hand with the communities, we can collectively devise effective strategies to mitigate risks and build resilient societies that prioritise the protection of civilians and mitigate civilian harm associated with trending protection risks and threats.”

Also, the Community Liaison Officer for Monguno, Mr Godwin Emmanuel, emphasised that “civilian protection is not just a moral imperative but it is a strategic imperative for sustainable peace and stability.”