The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, says the use of non-kinetic operational approaches will enhance general human security as well as build peaceful and resilient communities.
Gen. Musa said this in an address at the opening of a two-day human security and civil-military cooperation workshop held at the 82 Division, Enugu on Wednesday.
The workshop is being organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the British Defence Staff.
Represented by the Director of Civil Military Relations, AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, the defense chief said that the military was adopting better strategies to strengthen its non-kinetic operational approaches.
Gen. Musa observed that in a world where conflict and tension often cloud perspectives, embracing non-kinetic strategies allows the military to navigate conflicts with dignity, fostering dialogue and collaboration with the civilian populace.
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 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 to protect and support the civilians affected by conflict.
“This workshop will delve into the complexities of human security and civil-military cooperation, providing participants with tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life.
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“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.”
Gen. Musa noted that the workshop was particularly timely “as we face multiple challenges to 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, emphasizing the critical role of civil-military cooperation,” he added.
A representative of the British Defence Staff, John Sanderson, said that the workshop would expose the participants to the importance of human security and protection of civilians in every field of operations.
Sanderson, who is the lead facilitator of the workshop, said that the essence of the workshop 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, 82 Division, Maj. Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, appreciated the chief of defense staff and the British Defence Staff for hosting the important national workshop in the division.
Participants at the workshop were drawn from the army, air force, navy, the police, NSCDC, FRSC, DSS, immigration, customs, NDLEA, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, among others.
