By: Ojay Matthew
The Peace Corps of Nigeria has congratulated the newly appointed Service Chiefs and called on the United States government to adopt diplomatic channels in addressing security concerns in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja, the National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dr. Dickson Akoh, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff, and Air Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.
Akoh described the appointments as a testament to the officers’ “distinction, impeccable service records, and leadership capacity,” adding that their emergence comes at a critical time for the nation’s security landscape.
He expressed confidence that the new military leadership would uphold professionalism, transparency, and accountability in advancing the administration’s “Renewed Hope” security agenda. Akoh also reaffirmed the Peace Corps’ commitment to complement national security efforts through non-kinetic and youth-focused programmes.
The organisation, however, raised concerns over recent comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and threatened possible military action over alleged religious-related violence.
Akoh cautioned against unilateral military intervention, warning that such an approach could escalate insecurity and worsen humanitarian conditions. He appealed to the U.S. to embrace peaceful dialogue, partnership, and development-driven strategies instead.
“Nigeria requires collaborative, strategic support, not confrontation,” he said.
“The deployment of resources for job creation, education, and peace-building programmes represents a far more sustainable and effective path to peace than the deployment of troops.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to mediate rising diplomatic tensions and promote peaceful resolutions.
“With our consultative status in the UN system, we call on the United Nations to urgently employ dialogue and high-level diplomacy to prevent any escalation,” he stated.
Akoh concluded by reaffirming the Peace Corps’ readiness to work with global partners to advance stability, peace, and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
“May God bless our country Nigeria and us all,” he said.
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