The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s dedication to functioning as a people-focused, ethically driven and professionally accountable institution.
This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Defence Headquarters’ X handle on Tuesday by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba. Oluyede made the remarks at the opening of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Asokoro, Abuja.
Represented at the event by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa, the CDS praised the British Defence Staff for their consistent support and collaboration in enhancing the operational capacity of the AFN, particularly in strengthening civil-military relations.
He noted that the partnership reflects the long-standing defence relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to people-centred approaches to national security.
Oluyede pointed out that Nigeria’s security landscape remains complex and multifaceted, marked by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal clashes, transnational crime and humanitarian crises, all of which have direct consequences for civilians.
“Modern security efforts must go beyond territorial defence to include the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity, and the strengthening of societal resilience.
“The course aligns with his strategic vision of consolidating the capacities of the AFN through enhanced jointness, a reinforced operational posture, improved welfare initiatives, and sound administration,” he said.
According to him, these measures are targeted at sustaining the military’s core responsibility of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity through a whole-of-government approach.
He added that the Armed Forces are being repositioned to operate not only with operational efficiency but also as an institution that is ethically grounded, people-centred and responsive to the socio-cultural dynamics of its operational areas.
The CDS further stressed that preventive measures, cooperation with civilian bodies and the protection of civilians have become central to effective military operations. He described human security and gender advisory functions as force multipliers that boost legitimacy, widen operational reach and support mission sustainability.
Oluyede urged participants to fully utilise the course as an opportunity for learning, reflection and professional interaction, emphasising that the knowledge gained should be applied in operational planning, field operations and engagements with civilian communities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, described the programme as a vital initiative aimed at improving the professional capacity of Nigeria’s security agencies.
He explained that participants were carefully selected to serve in advisory roles within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Lawal expressed optimism that the training would enhance professionalism, deepen civil-military relations and foster trust between security agencies and the civilian population. He encouraged participants to approach the course with commitment, professionalism and openness, adding that the AFN would continue to work with both local and international partners to strengthen capacity building and personnel development.