The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has warned that drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse can undermine the effectiveness and credibility of security operations.
Oluyede issued the warning at a one-day workshop on Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation, themed ‘Enhancing Operational Effectiveness Through Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism Operations.’
The CDS said these issues could directly or indirectly affect individual well-being, discipline, operational readiness and the credibility of security operations.
‘Particular attention will be geared towards the menace of drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and their prevention in operational environments,’ Oluyede said.
The Defence Chief, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Jingirim Kachim, tasked Armed Forces personnel with prioritising civilian protection, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law in counter-terrorism operations.
He said the security environment in and around Nigeria had remained complex, dynamic and multidimensional, with terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal conflicts, criminality and other forms of insecurity continuing to affect communities and civilian populations.
According to him, these challenges require more than military strength and kinetic operations, stressing the need for a comprehensive, coordinated approach that places the protection of lives, human dignity, and community well-being at the centre of security efforts.
He noted that human security extends the concept of security beyond the protection of territory to include the safety, dignity and well-being of individuals and communities.
‘Operational effectiveness must consequently be pursued alongside the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law,’ he said.
According to Oluyede, adherence to these principles will strengthen the legitimacy, public confidence and sustainability of security operations.
He added that effective engagement with communities, traditional authorities, government institutions and other stakeholders could improve situational understanding, strengthen trust and facilitate more effective responses to security threats.
Oluyede said the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of human security issues that directly affect operational effectiveness, particularly the prevention of drug abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse in operational environments.
The Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, said the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of human security and civil-military cooperation as they relate to security agencies’ operations.
He said the workshop underscored the need to integrate human security considerations into operational planning, execution and assessment.
Lawal said contemporary security threats are increasingly complex, adaptive and interconnected, requiring an integrated approach that addresses the security, safety, dignity and welfare of affected populations.
‘Knowledge of human security principles, therefore, provides an important framework for understanding these challenges. It recognises that lasting security must address threats to individuals and communities, including violence, displacement, exploitation, abuse and other conditions that undermine human dignity.’
‘In line with the foregoing, civil-military cooperation is critical to the success of counter-terrorism operations.’
He emphasised that the workshop’s ultimate measure would be its contribution to improved operational practices.
‘As professionals entrusted with the security of our nation, we must remain mindful that operational effectiveness and respect for human dignity are mutually reinforcing. Protection of civilians, adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights must remain integral to our operations.’
‘I hope that the workshop will enhance our collective understanding of human security and civil-military cooperation. I further trust that it will contribute to more effective, coordinated and responsive counter-terrorism operations,’ he said.