CDS Musa to Nigerians: Embrace Military as Democratic Partners, Not Occupiers
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on Nigerians to discard the outdated perception of the military as an occupying force and instead see the Armed Forces as committed partners in the nation’s democratic progress and security architecture.
General Musa made the appeal on Thursday during the maiden Civil-Military Relations Conference organized by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja. The conference, themed “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” was aimed at strengthening trust and collaboration between the military and civilian population.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, the CDS acknowledged that past military interventions in governance had created a legacy of mistrust. “Historically, the relationship between the military and the civilian population has, at times, been characterized by suspicion, fear, and mistrust,” he said. “This unfortunate legacy has often hampered our ability to work effectively together in times of crisis or national emergency.”
General Musa emphasized that today’s Nigerian military operates within a democratic framework and remains accountable to the people it serves. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are a constitutionally established institution, deeply rooted in democratic principles,” he stressed.
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According to him, the conference is not a one-time event, but a strategic initiative to be held annually as a platform for honest engagement, practical collaboration, and improved civil-military synergy. He noted that the military is shifting away from a purely force-based (kinetic) approach to one that prioritizes human security, community partnership, and respect for human rights.
“It challenges us to think beyond weapons and warfare. It calls us to invest in human security, build resilient communities, and reinforce the idea that every Nigerian, whether in uniform or not, has a stake in the peace and prosperity of our great nation,” the CDS added.
He also urged Nigerian citizens to take ownership of the country’s stability by actively engaging in national development, while tasking military commanders to prioritize the protection and wellbeing of the communities they are deployed to serve.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, described the event as a milestone in the military’s commitment to people-centric security operations. He said the platform would help reshape negative narratives about the military through peacebuilding, dialogue, and civic engagement.
“This conference is an avenue to advance non-kinetic strategies and restore trust in our Armed Forces by rebuilding the vital bridge between the military and the civilians we are sworn to serve,” Rear Admiral Bankole stated.
The event drew stakeholders from across the defence and civil society sectors and is expected to foster more inclusive approaches to national security in the years ahead.
By PRNigeria
