By Yohanna Johnson, Kaduna

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kaduna State Command, Commandant Panam Musa Buba, has called for sustained collective efforts to promote peace, urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue, tolerance, mutual respect and early conflict prevention.Buba made the call on Monday, September 21, 2026, in a message to mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, themed: “Invest in Peace for Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday.” He was represented at the event by the Command’s Deputy Commandant and second in command, DCC Kalu Ndukwe.The Commandant said the theme underscored the need to treat peace as a continuous responsibility rather than an intervention that begins only after violence has erupted.According to him, peace goes beyond the absence of violence, encompassing security, justice, dignity, mutual respect and opportunities for citizens to live and conduct their legitimate activities without fear.He said the NSCDC has an important role to play in creating and sustaining a peaceful environment through crime prevention, community engagement, protection of lives and property, safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, conflict prevention and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.Buba described Kaduna as a diverse and resilient state whose ethnic, religious and cultural differences should be regarded as strengths rather than sources of division. He urged residents to embrace dialogue in resolving disagreements and use legitimate channels to address grievances before they escalate into violence.He also charged NSCDC personnel to see themselves not only as security responders but as peace builders, stressing that preventing conflicts from escalating was as important as responding to security threats.The Commandant called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, journalists, youths, women, community leaders and civil society organisations to contribute actively to peace building, noting that sustainable peace could not be achieved by security agencies alone.Buba also expressed condolences over the recent deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State. He sympathised with the families of the deceased, the Government and people of Niger State and others affected by the tragedy.He said the loss of lives was deeply regrettable and urged all stakeholders to allow the ongoing investigation by the appropriate authorities to establish the facts transparently and fairly.The Commandant charged officers and personnel of the Kaduna State Command to maintain professionalism, discipline, fairness, restraint and integrity in the discharge of their duties, noting that their conduct directly affects public confidence in the Corps.He further called for stronger collaboration between the NSCDC and traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, women, youths, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in strengthening early warning and conflict prevention mechanisms.Buba commended the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit of the Command for its efforts in promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence, urging the unit to intensify its engagements and early intervention initiatives across communities.He reaffirmed the Kaduna Command’s commitment to the vision of the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, particularly in strengthening professionalism, community engagement and responsiveness to the security needs of Nigerians.He urged residents to make peace a daily responsibility by resolving disagreements peacefully, reconciling differences and promoting messages that strengthen unity and security within their communities.Buba appreciated the Kaduna State Government, sister security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders and the media for their continued cooperation, assuring them of the Command’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to strengthen peace and security across the state.