The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening accountability and prioritising human security in all ongoing military operations across the nation.
Oluyede made this known at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Army Civil–Military Affairs Training for Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, Director of Test and Evaluation at the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Oluyede said the Army’s contemporary security approach balances operational success with civilian protection and public trust.
He emphasised that addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges required collective action, noting that the army was fostering stronger partnerships with non-state actors, humanitarian organisations, and civil society groups.
According to him, the training was designed to improve mutual understanding between the military and humanitarian agencies, while encouraging dialogue and collaboration in conflict and post-conflict environments.
“Our measure of success goes beyond battlefield victories; it lies in the peace, stability, and confidence restored among our citizens. We remain fully committed to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights in all operations,” he said.
Oluyede assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to safeguard law-abiding citizens and ensure an enabling environment for humanitarian and development agencies operating across all regions.
He praised the Department of Civil–Military Affairs for its consistency in building trust between the military and the civilian population, describing the effort as essential to national unity and stability.
The Army chief also commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and guidance, which he said had strengthened the institution’s transformation and innovation agenda.
“Security is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation, trust, and consistent collaboration between the armed forces, government bodies, and civilians,” he said.
Similarly, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Chief of Civil–Military Affairs (Army), said the army was intensifying efforts to improve civil–military relations to boost public confidence and sustain peace across the country.
Chibuisi noted that the forum served as a key avenue for collaboration between the military and humanitarian partners, reaffirming the army’s dedication to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights.
He said the training was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of military operations, promote effective coordination in humanitarian response, and strengthen dialogue between the army and civil society actors.
He added that such cooperation was essential to addressing the nation’s multifaceted security and socio-economic issues while rebuilding communities affected by conflict.
Ms Esty Butyoko, Deputy Head of Office at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), commended the Nigerian Army for fostering open dialogue and partnership with humanitarian actors.
She described the initiative as evidence of the military’s growing openness and respect for civilian protection principles in complex operational environments.
Butyoko stressed that strong civil–military coordination anchored on humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence was vital for protecting crisis-affected populations and ensuring their dignity.
“This training provides a constructive platform for dialogue and shared understanding between the military, humanitarian agencies, and civil society — all working toward a common goal: saving lives and restoring hope,” she said.
The two-day forum featured discussions and expert presentations from NGOs, CSOs, humanitarian agencies, and security institutions on issues surrounding national peace and security.