The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the EU-funded SD3R project, IOM,UNODC and UNICEF on Tuesday launched a three-day training workshop for volunteer security outfits and stakeholders.

The workshop focused on reconciliation, community safety and security, early warning systems, transitional justice, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

Held in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, the event brought together Volunteer Security Outfits (VSOs) such as vigilante and hunters’ groups, community leaders, traditional rulers, staff from various ministries, departments and agencies, women’s groups, and journalists.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ibrahim Jalo Muhammad, Director of Search and Rescue Operations at SEMA, stated that the workshop aims to foster policy and programmatic dialogue on community safety and security. It also seeks to strengthen participants’ capacities in reconciliation processes, mental health and psychosocial support, transitional justice measures, and community-based peacebuilding initiatives.

He explained that engaging youth, VSOs, community stakeholders, and relevant MDAs will enable a real-time, results-oriented approach that is both bottom-up and vertical-horizontal in nature.

This aligns with Governor Mai Mala Buni’s early recovery and post-conflict driven agenda.

He further noted the involvement of the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Gen. Dr. Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd.), in carefully identifying VSOs from the communities.

In his opening remarks, Charles Mback, Head of Office/Head of Stabilization at UNDP, said the training participants demonstrate a mutual dedication to protecting the populace and fostering resilience and peacemaking across the Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states.

He noted that through the RSF initiative, a regional support programme, UNDP has strengthened the capacities of government bodies, police forces, protection personnel, and security organisations by providing training on early warning, rapid response, and emotional/psychosocial support.

UNDP also facilitated the integration of the civilian guard force into official security frameworks under the RSF initiative and provided income support and opportunities for 300 VSOs in Yobe State.

“The civilian guard force will continue to provide vital primary support to public safety and security, including information sharing, routine patrols, and rapid response in areas where official security presence is limited.

“Their thorough understanding of local dynamics has greatly helped reduce unlawful acts and address emerging threats in many localities across Borno and Yobe states,” Mr. Mback said.

He urged participants to freely share insights, ask questions, and carefully consider how the concepts learned can be applied in their communities.

He added that the programme will equip participants with key skills in stress management and trauma handling to strengthen their well-being and resilience as first responders