The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, emphasised the importance of building resilience in communities to tackle insecurity.
The CDS stated this at the opening of a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Workshop, organised by the Defence Headquarters and the British Defence Staff.
Musa, represented by Rear Adm. Ayuba Chugali, said “Military operations is beyond tactical victories.
“The success of modern military operations depends on enhancing human security, building resilience, and fostering peace and development.
“Our objective here is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop peace-building programmes in conflict-affected areas and to strengthen our non-kinetic operational approaches.”
According to him, in a world where conflict and tension often cloud our perspectives, embracing non-kinetic strategies allows us to navigate conflicts with dignity, fostering dialogue and collaboration to build a more peaceful and resilient communities.
He said that the nature of today’s threats, including insecurity in various forms, calls for an approach that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic methods.
“The role of human security and civil-military cooperations in national development hinges on this, by bridging the gap between military efforts and civilian aspirations for peace and stability.
“By upholding human security values, we not only aim to neutralise threats but also to protect and support the civilians affected by conflict, ” he said.
The CDS said the workshop would delve into the complexities of Human Security and Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) providing participants with tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life.
The success of modern military operations depends not only on tactical victories but also on our ability to enhance human security, build resilience, and foster peace and development in conflict-affected regions.
He said responding effectively requires a “whole-of-society approach, where every individual and institution contributes to peace and security.
“This approach, coupled with our commitment to non-kinetic strategies, is central to safeguarding unity and growth.
“Throughout this workshop, participants will explore frameworks that integrate human security into military operations, emphasizing the critical role of CIMIC.”
He said that through discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, this workshop will underscore the importance of CIMIC in a counter-terrorism and counter insurgency (CT COIN) context.
“We will examine real-world cases to understand where CIMIC has succeeded and where there’s room for adjustments.
“Participants will also discuss how to strengthen CIMIC capabilities to facilitate positive security outcomes in Nigeria, “Musa said.
The CDS appreciated the British High Commission, particularly the British Defence Staff, for their steadfast support and consistent commitment to the professional development of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“Thank you for your dedication to this initiative,” Musa said.
He encouraged the participants to engage fully, leam from one another, and forge partnerships that would drive the progress of civil-military cooperation and human security beyond this workshop.
“I uge you to examine any systemic barriers and unconscious biases that may hinder our collective efforts in these areas.
“Together, let us contribute meaningful to a more just, and resilient Nigeria.
“It is indeed my great honour to officially declare this Human Security and civil-military workshop open, “Musa declared
Earlier the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, said that as personnel of the Nigerian Army, soldiers were expected to perform their duties whether in peace or war time with highest standards of competence .
Saraso, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. David Nwakonobi, Chief of Staff, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, appreciate the CDS and the organisers of the workshop and all participants for their dedication to this critical issue.
“I am confident that together we can make positive impact and promote a culture of respect and adherence to CIMIC activities as professional within our ranks,” the GOC said.(NAN)
