The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army is strengthening accountability and prioritising human security in all its ongoing operations across the country.
Oluyede stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Army Civil–Military Affairs Training for Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). He was represented by Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, Director of Test and Evaluation, Defence Research and Development Bureau.
He said the army’s modern security strategy places equal emphasis on operational success, civilian protection, and public trust, stressing that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges demand a “whole-of-society” approach.
“The success of our operations is not measured by battlefield outcomes alone but by the peace, stability and confidence restored among the people,” he said.
Oluyede explained that the training aims to enhance mutual understanding of military doctrines and humanitarian operations while fostering dialogue and collaboration in conflict and post-conflict areas.
He assured that the army would continue to protect law-abiding citizens and provide a safe environment for humanitarian and development organisations to operate effectively in all theatres of operation.
The army chief commended the Department of Civil–Military Affairs for its role in bridging the gap between the military and the civil populace, describing it as essential to achieving lasting national stability.
Oluyede also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his “steadfast support and guidance,” which he said had strengthened the army’s transformation and innovation agenda.
“National security is a shared responsibility that demands synergy, trust and sustained collaboration between the armed forces, government institutions and the civilian population,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, said the army was deepening civil–military cooperation to enhance peace, stability and public confidence in security operations nationwide.
He described the forum as a strategic collaboration between the military and humanitarian actors, underscoring the army’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights.
According to Chibuisi, the training seeks to strengthen understanding between the military and civil society, acquaint participants with the dynamics of military operations, and improve coordination in humanitarian and community engagement efforts.
He emphasised that fostering mutual trust and dialogue was crucial to addressing Nigeria’s complex security and socio-economic challenges.
Also speaking, Ms Esty Butyoko, Deputy Head of Office at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), commended the Nigerian Army for promoting dialogue and collaboration with humanitarian actors.
She described the initiative as a testament to the army’s openness and commitment to civilian protection in complex operational environments.
Butyoko stressed that effective civil–military coordination was vital to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security and humanitarian challenges.
“This training provides a safe and constructive platform for dialogue and shared understanding between the military, humanitarian and civil society communities, all working towards one goal — protecting lives and restoring hope,” she said.
The two-day forum, which brings together participants from NGOs, CSOs, humanitarian agencies and security institutions, features presentations and discussions on national security, civil protection, and humanitarian coordination.
