The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to evolving into a people-centric, ethically grounded, and professionally accountable institution.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information Major General Samaila Uba and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA News.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, General Oluyede emphasized that modern security must extend beyond territorial defense to include the protection of human dignity and the strengthening of societal resilience.
The CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa, noted that Nigeria’s current security landscape is characterized by complex, multidimensional threats such as violent extremism, communal conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies.
”The AFN is being repositioned as a force that is not only operationally capable but also ethically grounded, people-centred, and responsive to the socio-cultural realities of its operational environment,” General Oluyede stated.
Strengthening International and Inter-Agency Ties
The Defence Chief commended the British Defence Staff for their sustained support in enhancing the AFN’s operational effectiveness, particularly in civil-military relations. He described the collaboration as a reflection of a long-standing partnership built on shared values and contemporary approaches to national security.
The training program is not limited to the military; it includes carefully selected participants from:
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN)
The Nigeria Police Force
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
Gender Advisory as a Force Multiplier
General Oluyede highlighted that human security and gender advisory roles are no longer peripheral, but are “force multipliers” that reinforce mission legitimacy and sustainability. He urged participants to translate the knowledge gained into practical applications during field deployments and engagements with civilian populations.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, welcomed participants, noting that the course is a key initiative to build trust between security agencies and the public. He expressed confidence that the training would significantly enhance professionalism and strengthen inter-agency cooperation.
The AFN remains committed to collaborating with international partners to ensure the continuous capacity building and professional growth of its personnel.
