Change Your Perception About Military, See them As Partners in Progress
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to change their perception of the military, urging them to see the institution as a partner in progress rather than an occupation force.
General Musa made this appeal on Thursday at the Maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relation Conference in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to improve civil-military relations and promote national security.
General Musa acknowledged that the military’s history of involvement in politics, including coups and counter-coups, has contributed to the public’s mistrust and suspicion of the institution.
However, he emphasized that the military is a constitutionally established institution, rooted in democratic principles and accountable to the Nigerian people.
“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,” he said.
The CDS stressed that it is essential for both the military and the larger society to work together to change the negative perception of the military.
He announced that the conference is not a one-off event but a strategic initiative that will become an annual platform for honest engagement, thoughtful reflection, and practical collaboration.
General Musa charged Nigerians to take ownership of the country by getting involved in promoting national security and development.
He also tasked military commanders to protect the communities they are deployed to serve, emphasizing the need for a people-centric approach to national security.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, said the conference marked a significant milestone in the military’s commitment to a people-centric approach.
“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.
The conference is part of the military’s efforts to promote civil-military relations and improve national security through non-kinetic approaches, such as trust-building, respect for human rights, and community partnership.
With this initiative, the military hopes to shift from a purely kinetic, force-based approach to one that prioritizes human security and community engagement.
