From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, Enugu
Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, said the use of non-kinetic operational approach will enhance security, as well as build peaceful and resilient communities.
Musa said this in an address at the opening ceremony of a two-day Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation, HIMIC, workshop held at 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, yesterday.
The workshop was organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with British Defence Staff.
Represented by a Director of Civil Military Relations, AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, the CDS said the military is adopting better strategies to strengthen its non-kinetic operational approach.
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 with the civilian populace.
He said, “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 cooperation in national development centers on 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 protect and support the civilians affected by conflict.
“This workshop will delve into the complexities of human security and CIMIC, providing participants with the tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life.
“The success of a modern military 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.”
Musa noted that the workshop was particularly timely, “as we face multiple challenges in our nation’s security”, adding that 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 Nigeria’s unity and growth.
“Throughout this workshop, participants will explore frameworks that integrate human security into military operations, emphasising the critical role of CIMIC,” he added.
A personnel of the British Defence Staff, John Sanderson, said the workshop would expose the participants to the importance of human security and protection of civilians in every field of operation.
Sanderson, who is the lead facilitator of the workshop, noted that its essence is to build trust between military personnel and civilians in order to build a seamless relationship that works for all.
In a welcome address, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division, Major-General Oluyemi Olatoye, appreciated the CDS and British Defence Staff for hosting the national workshop in the
Division.
Olatoye, who is also the Commander of the Joint Task Force in the South East, code-named ‘Operation Udo Ka’, noted that the Division had upheld respect for human rights in all its operations, adding that the workshop would improve all aspects of civil-military relationship.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, Nigerian Immigration Service, Customs, NDLEA and Nigerian Correctional Service among others.
The opening ceremony featured group photographs and exchange of plaques between the GOC and representatives of the CDS.
