By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to a people-centred, ethically grounded and professionally accountable military, as the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course commenced in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Asokoro, the CDS represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa said the training underscores the AFN’s resolve to align military operations with contemporary, human-focused approaches to national security.
General Oluyede commended the British Defence Staff for their sustained support and cooperation in strengthening the operational effectiveness of the AFN, particularly in the area of civil-military relations.
He described the collaboration as a reflection of the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to people-oriented security strategies.
He noted that Nigeria’s security landscape remains complex and dynamic, marked by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly impact civilian populations.
According to him, modern security imperatives must transcend territorial defence to include the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity and the strengthening of societal resilience.
The CDS explained that the course aligns with his strategic vision of consolidating AFN capacities through enhanced jointness, a reinforced operational posture, improved welfare initiatives and sound administration, all within a whole-of-government framework aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are 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,” he said.
General Oluyede further emphasised that preventive action, collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians have become integral components of military effectiveness. He described human security and gender advisory roles as critical force multipliers that enhance legitimacy, expand operational reach and ensure mission sustainability.
He urged participants to maximise the training as a platform for knowledge sharing, critical reflection and professional networking, stressing that the skills acquired must be applied practically during operational planning, field deployments and engagements with civilian communities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, described the course as a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the professional competence of Nigeria’s security institutions. He said participants were carefully selected to serve in advisory roles within the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Rear Admiral Lawal expressed confidence that the programme would enhance professionalism, deepen civil-military cooperation and build public trust in security agencies. He called on participants to approach the course with dedication, professionalism and an open mind, noting that their active participation would be key to achieving its objectives.
He added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to collaborate with local and international partners to advance capacity building and the professional development of its personnel.
