By Usman Abubakar Maiduguri
Amid the raging terror and insecurity across the country, the Nigerian military has adopted what it describes as whole-of-society approach to securing the country by organizing a Human Security and Civil-Military (CIMIC) workshop aimed at galvanizing the entire Nigerian society for the insecurity war.
The approach, which is a segment of the broad non-kinetic approach is designed by the Defence Headquarters in partnership with British Defence Staff aimed at driving human security initiatives and strengthen civil-military cooperation.
“Our objective here is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop peace-building programs in conflict-affected areas and to strengthen our non-kinetic operational approaches,” Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said at the opening of the 4-day workshop at the Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command headquarters, Maiduguri, Monday, July 28.
“In a world where conflict and tension often cloud our perspectives, embracing non-kinetic strategies allows us to navigate conflicts with dignity, fostering dialogue and collaboration to build a more peaceful and resilient communities,” the CDS, represented, said.
“The nature of today’s threats, including insecurity in various forms, calls for an approach that integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic methods,” he said, explaining, “The Role of Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation in National Development centers on this by bridging the gap between military efforts and civilian aspirations for peace and stability.”
The CDS said “The success of modern military operations depends not only on tactical victories but also on our ability to enhance human security, build resilience, and foster peace and development in conflict-affected regions.”
Gen. Musa said “By upholding human security values, we not only aim to neutralize threats but also to protect and support the civilians affected by conflict.”
He said the workshop would delve into the complexities of human security and CIMIC, providing participants with tools to mitigate the effects of military operations on civilian life.
“This workshop is particularly timely as we face multiple challenges to our nation’s stability. Responding effectively requires a “whole-of-society” approach, where every individual and institution contributes to peace and security,” he explained, saying, “This approach, coupled with our commitment to non-kinetic strategies, is central to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and growth.”
The participants are to explore frameworks that integrate human security into military operations, emphasizing the critical role of CIMIC.
Through discussions, practical exercises, and case studies, this workshop is to underscore the importance of CIMIC in a counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency (CT COIN) context.
The workshop is also to examine real-world cases to understand where CIMIC has succeeded and where there is room for improvement.
Participants are also to discuss how to strengthen CIMIC capabilities to facilitate positive security outcomes in Nigeria.
