By Victor Akaa.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called for a shift in the way Nigerians perceive the military, from an occupying force to a partner in progress.
Speaking on Thursday at the Maiden Defence Headquarters Civil-Military Relations Conference 2025, General Musa emphasised the need for the military to prioritise trust-building, respect for human rights, and community partnership.
He noted that the theme of the conference “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” aims to provide a veritable platform for honest engagement and practical collaboration between military and civilian actors.
The CDS noted that the military’s relationship with the civilian population has been characterised by suspicion, fear, and mistrust in the past, but emphasised that this can change with a new approach.
General Musa highlighted the importance of collaboration between the military and civilian actors, saying, “Security is not the exclusive preserve of the Armed Forces, but a shared national responsibility.”
He appreciated the presence of invited guests, which he said affirms a shared commitment to a more inclusive and sustainable security architecture for Nigeria.
The CDS emphasised the need for the military to build trust with the civilian population, saying, “The road to national stability and development cannot be paved by bullets alone. It must be built on the foundations of understanding, dialogue, partnership, and shared purpose.”
He expressed confidence that the conference would provide actionable frameworks for embedding non-kinetic approaches in the military’s planning and operations.
General Musa called on all stakeholders to work together towards a more inclusive and sustainable security architecture, saying, “Let us reiterate the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to this new direction, which is a people-centric security philosophy.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Affairs, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, emphasised the need for the military to bridge the trust deficit between the armed forces and the civilian population.
Rear Admiral Bankole noted that many Nigerians perceive the military as “brutal, offensive, and distant from the people,” highlighting the growing disconnect between the military and the civilian population.
He said “Many of our fellow citizens perceive the military not as protectors, but as a source of insecurity,” emphasising that this perception erodes trust and weakens national unity.
He emphasised that achieving sustainable peace, unity, and national development is a collective effort that requires the active participation and support of everyone in the community.
Enugu Reporters reports that the conference aims to advance non-clinical strategies and tools of peace, dialogue, outreach, and coping engagements that can restore trust and rebuild the vital bridge between the military and civilians.
