The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has underscored the importance of non-kinetic operational strategies in enhancing human security and fostering peaceful, resilient communities across Nigeria.
Gen. Musa made this known during his address at the opening of a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Workshop, which began Tuesday at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu.
The workshop, organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the British Defence Staff, is aimed at building the capacity of security operatives to integrate human security principles into military operations.
Represented by AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, Director of Civil Military Relations, the CDS explained that the military is advancing more sophisticated and humane strategies to enhance its non-combat engagements.
“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 with the civilian populace,” he said.
Gen. Musa highlighted that the nature of contemporary security threats demands a combined approach.
“The nature of today’s threats, including insecurity in various forms, calls for an approach that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic methods,” he noted.
He further emphasized the relevance of the CIMIC concept to national development, particularly in aligning military efforts with civilian goals.
“The role of Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) in National Development centers on bridging the gap between military efforts and civilian aspirations for peace and stability,” he said.
“By upholding human security values, we not only aim to neutralise threats but also to protect and support the civilians affected by conflict,” he added.
According to the CDS, the workshop is designed to offer practical tools to minimize the impact of military operations on civilians and promote peace-building efforts.
“This workshop will delve into the complexities of human security and CIMIC, providing participants with tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life,” Musa stated.
“The success of modern military tasks depends not only on operational victories but also on our ability to enhance human security, build resilience, and foster peace and development in conflict-affected regions,” he said.
He described the workshop as timely, especially considering the country’s current security landscape.
“This approach, coupled with our commitment to non-kinetic strategies, is central to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and growth,” Musa noted.
“Throughout this workshop, participants will explore frameworks that integrate human security into military operations, emphasizing the critical role of CIMIC,” he added.
Also speaking, John Sanderson, a member of the British Defence Staff and lead facilitator of the workshop, said the training aims to reinforce the importance of human security and civilian protection across all fields of operation.
Sanderson said, “The essence of the workshop was to build trust between military personnel and civilians in order to build a seamless relationship that works for all.”
In his welcome remarks, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division and Commander of Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udo Ka, expressed appreciation to the CDS and British Defence Staff for selecting the Division to host the critical engagement.
Olatoye reiterated the Division’s commitment to upholding human rights across its operational activities.
He noted, “The workshop would further improve all aspects of civil-military relationship.”
Participants at the workshop include representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, as well as Nigeria Police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, Immigration, Customs, NDLEA, and the Correctional Service, among others.
The opening session featured a group photograph and an exchange of plaques between the GOC and representatives of the CDS.
