The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has urged Nigerians to see the military as a partner in progress, and not as an occupation forces that is alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect.
General Musa stated this on Thursday at the Maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relation Conference with the theme: “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” in Abuja.
He stated, historically the relationship between the military and the civilian population has, at times, been characterized by suspicion, fear, and mistrust.
Musa said military’s foray into politics with coup and counter coups was responsible for the mistrust.
“This unfortunate legacy has often hampered our ability to effectively work together, particularly in times of crisis or national emergency,” he said.
“The military has been seen not as a partner in progress, but as an occupying force, alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect.”
The CDS noted that even though this perception exists, concerted efforts must be made from both the military and the larger society to change it.
He said, “The reality is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are a constitutionally established institution, deeply rooted in democratic principles and accountable to the Nigerian people.
“This Conference, therefore, is not a one-off event but a strategic initiative, conceptualized to become an annual platform for honest engagement, thoughtful reflection, and practical collaboration.
“The overarching goal is to “win hearts and minds”, and shift from a purely kinetic, force-based approach to one that prioritizes trust-building, respect for human rights, and community partnership. Our theme, “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security”, encapsulates this new direction.
“It challenges us to think beyond weapons and warfare. It calls us to invest in human security, to build resilient communities, and to reinforce the idea that every Nigerian, whether in uniform or not, has a stake in the peace and prosperity of our great nation.”
General Musa charged Nigerians to take ownership of the country by getting involved.
He also tasked commanders to protect communities they are deployed to protect.
Earlier, Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, said the event marked a significant milestone in the military’s ongoing commitment towards a “people-centric” concepts championed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
“This conference has been convened to help change negative narratives about the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is an avenue to advance non-kinetic strategies and tools of peace, dialogue, outreach, and engagements that will restore trust and rebuild the vital bridge between the military and the civilians we are sworn to serve,” Rear Admiral Bankole said.
