Armed Forces Reaffirm Commitment to People-Centred Security at Training Seminar

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to becoming a more ethically grounded and people-focused institution. The statement was made at the opening of a Human Security and Gender Advisers Course held on Tuesday in Abuja.

Represented by Major General Ibrahim Lassa, the CDS emphasized that modern security efforts must extend beyond territorial defence to include protecting lives, preserving human dignity, and strengthening community resilience.

“Nigeria’s security environment remains complex and multidimensional,” Oluyede noted, citing asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies. He stated that the AFN is being repositioned to be not only operationally capable but also responsive to the socio-cultural realities of its operational environment.

The course, held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, is part of a strategic vision to consolidate the AFN’s capacities through improved joint operations and administration. General Oluyede highlighted that collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians are now integral to military effectiveness, describing human security and gender advisory roles as “force multipliers.”

He also commended the British Defence Staff for their sustained partnership, which reflects a shared commitment to people-oriented security approaches.

In his welcome address, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal stated that participants were drawn from the AFN, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. He expressed confidence that the training would enhance professionalism and build greater trust between security agencies and civilians.