IPCR Strengthens Early Warning Response Mechanism in Jos

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) is strengthening Nigeria’s conflict early warning and response system under the National Conflict Early Warning and Response initiative, a partnership between IPCR, Tetra Tech, SPRiNG and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) with a current focus on Benue, Plateau, Katsina, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The initiative has trained approximately 600 community volunteers and stakeholders from four states in conflict prevention, gender sensitivity, and social inclusion to identify and report potential threats. Participants gained practical skills to recognise early warning signs and effectively manage conflicts.

Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, who led the project team, shared these details during a meeting with the management of the Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA) on Friday in Jos.

Dr. Ochogwu noted that the institute has carried out a series of engagements to deepen collaboration with key partners.

He outlined plans to partner with state governments to expand community volunteer training and address conflict-related issues.

“We have trained volunteers from local government communities who are responsible for independently reporting incidents of insecurity to our situation room in Abuja. We then process, analyse, and triangulate this information.

“We also operate in all 774 local government areas of Nigeria, where we have key actors in place.

“So, we are not duplicating or simply reinforcing existing efforts; instead, we are building capacity proactively to de-escalate crises effectively.

“That is why our training programme specifically includes gender and social inclusion, as well as persons with disabilities, to ensure these groups are mainstreamed in conflict prevention efforts.

Currently, we are seeking partnerships with state governments to train security personnel at the local government level—men and women who are on the frontlines defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and integrity, often sacrificing their own comfort for national security.

“We aim to increase the number of participants in this initiative, with the support of the respective state governments,” he stated.

Dr. Ochogwu further emphasised the need for different targeted approaches to address the recurring violence in Nigeria.

“Some solutions are constitutional, some are political, and others are cultural or economic. We need a holistic approach to address these issues.

“Our national conflict early warning response is primarily aimed at building trust between the state and its citizens, bridging the gap between government and the people.

“That’s the goal of this early warning system, and it’s why we’re collaborating with stakeholders at the national, subnational, and local community levels to resolve these challenges,” Dr. Ochogwu concluded.