The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has charged troops across Nigeria’s various theatres of operation to combine operational effectiveness with the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
Oluyede, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Ginjiri Kachim, spoke at a workshop on “Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation” in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said respect for human rights and protection of civilians were essential to building public confidence and ensuring the sustainability of security operations.
“Operational effectiveness must consequently be pursued alongside the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
These principles strengthen legitimacy, public confidence and the sustainability of security operations,” he said.
The CDS said effective engagement with communities, traditional institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders would improve situational awareness and strengthen trust between security personnel and civilians.
He noted that Nigeria’s security environment remained complex, citing terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal conflicts and other forms of criminality.
“These challenges require more than military strength and kinetic operations. They demand a comprehensive and coordinated approach that places the protection of lives, human dignity and community wellbeing at the centre of our security efforts,” he said.
Oluyede also highlighted drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse as issues requiring particular attention within operational environments.
He said such challenges could affect individual wellbeing, discipline, operational readiness and the credibility of security operations.
The CDS described the workshop as an important platform for military and paramilitary personnel to share experiences and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
He urged participants to identify practical measures that could improve security operations within their respective areas of responsibility.
“I encourage you to share operational experiences, examine existing challenges and identify practical measures applicable to your respective areas of responsibility,” he said.
Oluyede reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces to building a professional, accountable and responsive security architecture.
“By integrating human security and effective civil-military cooperation into our operations, we can strengthen public confidence, prevent avoidable harm and contribute to lasting peace and national stability,” he added.
The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Abayomi Lawal, said the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of human security and civil-military cooperation.
He said counter-terrorism operations required an integrated approach that addressed the security, safety, dignity and welfare of affected communities.
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