- The leader of the UK delegation, Major Mark Pearsall said the programme aims to educate frontline troops on the importance of human security and the place of gender in conflict and conflict prevention.
- Military success requires understanding social, economic, and political factors that influence stability, not just superior combat capabilities, for effective security strategies.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has stated that Nigeria’s Armed Forces counterinsurgency effort aims not just at military victory but also at ensuring lasting peace.
Speaking yesterday, he made this remark while inaugurating the Human Security and Gender Adviser Course for officers and soldiers, organised by Defence Headquarters with British Defence Staff.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Civil Military Relations, Rear Admiral Abiodun Bankole, the CDS emphasised that the military is responsible for protecting civilians and fostering public trust.
“Nigeria military now is conducting a lot of counter insurgency operations but the emphasis of the CDS is not only to win the war but to win the peace,” she said.
To achieve this goal, he stressed the importance of integrating gender perspectives and human security principles into military training, policies, and operational strategies.
He said, “The evolving nature of conflicts and security threats requires a paradigm shift from conventional military strategies to a broader human security framework that recognizes the safety and well-being of individuals and communities as central to national security.
“Today’s security environment demands not just superior military capability, but also a deep understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that impact stability and resilience.”
He clarified that gender considerations and human security are no longer secondary but crucial to strategic planning, operational success, and the establishment of enduring peace.
“Our objectives here for the next 8 Days therefore, is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate human security and gender perspectives into military operations while strengthening our non-kinetic operational approaches.
“In a world where conflict often clouds our perspectives, embracing non-kinetic strategies fosters human security and inclusivity and ensures that conflicts are navigated with respect for all regardless of gender while promoting trust and sustainable peace.
This course, he noted, will equip participants with tools to examine security challenges through a gender-inclusive and human-focused approach vital for stability.
He reaffirmed the CDS General Christopher Musa’s philosophy, which prioritises civilian protection, gender inclusion, and community engagement to secure peace and sustainable development.
For this reason, he said the CDS remains committed to enhancing civil-military relations and strengthening collaboration with local communities for long-term stability.
He urged all attendees to fully participate in discussions, absorb knowledge, and implement the lessons learned effectively in their respective operational assignments.
“Your commitment to understanding and applying human security and gender perspectives will not only enhance the professionalism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria but also reinforce credibility as a force,” he added.
The UK delegation’s leader, Major Mark Pearsall, stated that the initiative aims to educate frontline troops on human security and the role of gender in conflict resolution.
He emphasised that military operations should incorporate human security and gender considerations at every stage of the strategic and tactical planning process.