The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) commitment to a people-centred, inclusive, and ethical approach to national security, as the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course officially commenced in Abuja.
The CDS made this known through remarks delivered on his behalf by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa, at the opening ceremony of the course held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja
General Oluyede described the course as timely and strategic, given Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, which he said has become increasingly complex, fluid, and multidimensional. He noted that contemporary security challenges now extend beyond conventional threats to include asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crime, and humanitarian crises that directly affect civilian populations
According to him, these realities demand a broader understanding of security—one that prioritises the protection of people, preservation of human dignity, and strengthening of societal resilience.
“The concept of human security recognises that sustainable peace and stability cannot be achieved solely through kinetic means, but through inclusive, preventive, and collaborative approaches that address the root causes of conflict,” the CDS stated.
He commended the British Defence Staff and British Army Outreach Group for their sustained support and cooperation in strengthening the professional capacity of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly in the area of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC). He described the partnership as a reflection of the enduring defence relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, built on shared values and a common commitment to modern, people-focused security practices.
General Oluyede emphasised that the trust and confidence of civilian populations remain critical to operational success, noting that human security and gender considerations are no longer optional, but essential force multipliers that enhance legitimacy, operational reach, and mission sustainability.
The CDS explained that the course aligns with his strategic philosophy of consolidating AFN capabilities through enhanced jointness, improved welfare, sound administration, and a whole-of-government approach to national security. Under this framework, he said the Armed Forces are being repositioned as an institution that is not only operationally capable, but also ethically grounded and responsive to socio-cultural realities in theatres of operation.
He urged participants to fully engage with the programme and ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired are translated into practical applications during operational planning, field deployments, and engagements with civilian communities.
“You are being equipped not merely for personal development, but to serve as agents of institutional change within the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he added.
General Oluyede reaffirmed the AFN’s unwavering commitment to a security architecture that protects lives, promotes dignity, and strengthens national cohesion, describing the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course as a significant step in that direction.
He formally declared the course open and wished participants a successful and impactful training, while offering prayers for the British Defence Staff, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Civil–Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, expressed his honour and deep sense of responsibility in welcoming participants to the opening ceremony of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course.
He noted that the course, jointly organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the British Defence Staff, is scheduled to hold from 26 January to 4 February 2026 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, and represents a timely initiative in strengthening human-centred approaches to security operations.
Rear Admiral Lawal warmly welcomed all participants and described the programme as another milestone in the long-standing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He acknowledged that the enduring partnership has contributed significantly to capacity development within the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, stressing that such collaborations remain vital in preparing personnel to operate effectively within today’s increasingly complex and dynamic security environment.
Addressing the participants, he stated that they were carefully selected as key personnel who would serve in advisory roles across the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained from the course would enhance professionalism, inter-agency cooperation, and public trust, while encouraging participants to approach the programme with dedication, openness, and a strong commitment to learning in service of the nation.
