By Danjuma Amodu | January 27, 2026
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to be a people-centric, ethically grounded and professionally accountable military. He stated this on Monday, 26 January 2026, at the opening ceremony of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course, holding at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Asokoro, Abuja.
The CDS, represented by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa, commended the British Defence staff for their sustained support and cooperation in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the AFN, particularly in the area of civil-military relations. He said the collaboration reflects the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, built on shared values and mutual commitment to contemporary and people-oriented approaches to national security.
General Oluyede noted that Nigeria’s security environment remains complex, fluid and multidimensional, characterised more by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly affect civilians. He stressed that security must go beyond territorial defence to include the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity and strengthening of societal resilience.
The Defence Chief said the course aligns with his strategic philosophy of consolidating the capacities of the AFN through enhanced jointness, a reinforced operational posture, improved welfare efforts and sound administration, all aimed at maintaining the Armed Forces’ core mandate of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole-of-government approach.
He said, “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”.
The CDS underscored that preventive action, collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians are now integral elements of military effectiveness. He described human security and gender advisory roles as force multipliers that reinforce legitimacy, expand operational reach, and enhance mission sustainability.
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, described the course as a key initiative aimed at enhancing the professional competence of Nigeria’s security institutions. He said participants were carefully selected to serve in advisory capacities within the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Rear Admiral Lawal expressed confidence that the training would enhance professionalism, strengthen civil-military cooperation, and build trust between security agencies and the civilian population.
