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 ably 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 averred that, 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, characterized more by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly affect civil populace. He further 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 the 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.

 

He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the course as a platform for knowledge exchange, critical reflection and professional networking. The knowledge and skills gained, he said, must translate into practical application during operational planning, field deployments, and engagements with civilian populations.

Earlier in his welcome address, 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 stated that 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. He urged participants to approach the programme with dedication, professionalism, and an open mind, noting that their active engagement would be critical to achieving the course objectives.

 

The AFN will continue to collaborate with partners towards capacity building and professional growth of its personnel.