Borno stakeholders have commenced a consultative meeting on the review of the State Action Plan for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the UNSCR 1325 among others call for increased participation of women at all levels of decision-making for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict.

In her welcome address at the meeting organized by UN Women in collaboration with the Borno Ministry of Women Affairs on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, described the meeting as critical in the ongoing peace building in the state.

Gambo, who was represented by the Director Women Affairs of the ministry, tasked stakeholders on fruitful discussions, innovative ideas and strategies that would ensure significant strides toward a more peaceful and equitable world.

“Today, we gather to review our Borno State Action Plan (BSAP), a pivotal document that translates the principles of UNSCR 1325 into concrete actions and measurable outcomes.

“This workshop is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, identify gaps, and chart a path forward to ensure that our efforts are as effective and inclusive as possible.

“Your presence here today signifies a collective commitment to advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Through our collaborative efforts, we can ensure that women are not only protected but also empowered to play a central role in building sustainable peace,” Gambo said.

In his message presented at the occasion, the Programme Manager of UN Women, Mr Peter Mancha, said the workshop was in line with phase 11 of enhancing Gender-Responsive Security Operations and Community Dialogue Project in Nigeria.

Mancha said the workshop would collate results, achievements, success stories, challenges and lessons learnt from the first BSAP and the identification of emerging peace and security issues in the state.

“This will provide background information required to initiate the development of the second BSAP by the state government, with support from UN Women and the Government of Germany.

“The first BSAP was launched since 2014, hence, long overdue for review and subsequent development of the 2nd generation plan that will be multi-sectoral and contextualized to respond to emerging peace and security issues in Borno State.”

In his goodwill message on behalf of civil society organizations, the Executive Director of Network of Civil Society Organizations in Borno, Mr Bulama Abiso, noted the vital role of women in peace building and development and assured the sustained support of CSOs to women empowerment.

Navy Capt. M. A Abdullahi, who is the Head of Civil-Military Cooperation of Joint Task Force North East “Operation Hadin Kai”, who spoke on behalf of the military, said the military remain committed to rules of engagement in the fight against terrorists.

He added that this is particularly in the area of protecting women and children being used as human shield by the terrorists.

Abdullahi, who used the occasion to enlighten the meeting on recent security situation in Borno, lamented the recent use of women for suicide attacks in Gwoza town, and urged the public to support the military by being more security conscious to avert such surprise attacks during gatherings.

While allaying the fears of the public regarding the return of suicide attacks, Abdullahi debunked rumours that terrorists have deployed some suicide bombers in Borno.

According to him, the military has within the past few months rescued over 400 women and children from terrorists.

He said that those rescued are now being processed at its Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri that has been transformed from a detention centre to a rehabilitation centre that is providing skills acquisition training.

NAN reports that other stakeholders who spoke at the occasion include members of the Borno House of Assembly, religious and traditional rulers who all lauded the UN Women Project and their readiness to continue to support the achievements of the UNSCR 1325. (NAN).