A high-level consultative and peer learning dialogue aimed at strengthening peace and security collaboration across states has been convened in Jos, Plateau State, by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRING) and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA).
This was contained in a press statement signed on 𝚆𝚎𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚍𝚊𝚢 by Amina Wali, Communications Lead, Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE).
The event, which held on March 17, 2026, brought together security officials and peacebuilding actors from Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states to share experiences, exchange lessons, and develop collaborative strategies for addressing common security challenges.
The dialogue is part of ongoing efforts to enhance subnational coordination, improve early warning systems, and promote locally driven responses to evolving threats. Organisers disclosed that since 2025, OSPRE, through its SPARCS programme, has trained over 300 participants across the North-West and North-Central regions in early warning and response mechanisms.
Speaking at the event, SPRING Team Lead, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, and development partners to tackle insecurity.
He said, “Strengthening local capacities and fostering peer learning platforms such as this dialogue are essential to building resilient systems capable of preventing conflict before escalation.”
Also speaking, the Director General of OSPRE, Mr Chris Ngwodo, appreciated SPRING and the United Kingdom Government for supporting peacebuilding initiatives in Nigeria.
He stressed the need for stronger coordination across all levels of government, noting that, “No single tier of government can address today’s security challenges in isolation. What is required is a coherent, collaborative framework that aligns local knowledge with national capabilities.”
In her remarks, the Director General of PSPBA, Ms. Julie Sanda, commended the organisers for their continued commitment to peacebuilding in Plateau State and beyond.
She called for expanded partnerships to scale successful interventions, adding that deeper collaboration would enhance impact at the community level.
A highlight of the programme was a peer learning visit to the operational facility of Operation Rainbow, the Plateau State Government’s security outfit. Participants interacted with personnel and gained insights into community-based security coordination, intelligence gathering, and rapid response strategies.
The dialogue ended with a collective commitment by participating states to strengthen inter-state cooperation, institutionalise peer learning platforms, and improve early warning and response systems as part of efforts to ensure sustainable peace and security.
Good move. Let this also be extended to Taraba state.