Abuja: An international non-governmental organisation, Search for Common Ground (SCG), has called for greater adoption of non-kinetic approaches such as dialogue to address insecurity in Nigeria. The Country Director of SCG, Nigeria, Mr. Outtara Karno, made the call during a Health Walk on Monday in Abuja. The walk was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to mark the 2025 International Day of Peace.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the world has relied heavily on coercive measures since the era of the World Wars, but dialogue and collaboration offered more sustainable solutions to violent conflicts. Mr. Karno emphasized that the only way to achieve peace is through communication. He stated, "No one wants to live in a place where there is no peace. Challenges can be resolved depending on how you engage with people. Some may choose violence, but we advocate dialogue. Nigeria is struggling for peace, and the real challenge is how we work together to achieve it."
The SCG director highlighted the importance of community engagement and information sharing in achieving peace and security. He pointed out that there is no security without talking with people and no security without information. Security starts with intelligence, and for that, agencies like the NSCDC need people to talk to them. Karno also noted that SCG has been working globally since 1982 to help communities resolve conflicts through collaboration rather than violence.
Dr. Olushola Odumosu, the Commandant of NSCDC, FCT Command, also spoke at the event, stating that every country faces conflict, but solutions depend on the approach adopted. He mentioned that Nigeria has combined both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to address insecurity, yielding positive results. Dr. Odumosu emphasized the importance of mediation over confrontation and noted that the NSCDC has a unit focusing on alternative dispute resolution as a global approach to resolving conflicts.
The event featured sporting activities and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting dialogue and peacebuilding among communities.