From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to view the Armed Forces as fellow countrymen and partners in progress, rather than as aliens, as they are often perceived.
This is just as the CDS noted that the relationship between the military and the civilian population has been characterised by suspicion, fear, and mistrust.
Gen. Musa made the call at the opening of the Maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relations Conference held in Abuja on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The conference, themed “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” aimed to foster trust and collaboration between the military and civilians.
The CDS, while acknowledging the mistrust by Nigerians toward the Armed Forces, said, “This unfortunate legacy has often hampered our ability to effectively work together, particularly in times of crisis or national emergency.”
He added, “The military has been seen not as a partner in progress but as an occupying force, alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect.”
He emphasised that concerted efforts must be made by both the military and the larger society to change this perception.
He stated, “The reality is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are a constitutionally established institution, deeply rooted in democratic principles and accountable to the Nigerian people.
“This conference, therefore, is not a one-off event but a strategic initiative, conceptualised to become an annual platform for honest engagement, thoughtful reflection, and practical collaboration.
“The overarching goal is to ‘win hearts and minds,’ and shift from a purely kinetic, force-based approach to one that prioritises trust-building, respect for human rights, and community partnership. Our theme, ‘Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,’ encapsulates this new direction.
“It challenges us to think beyond weapons and warfare. It calls us to invest in human security, to build resilient communities, and to reinforce the idea that every Nigerian, whether in uniform or not, has a stake in the peace and prosperity of our great nation.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, described the event as a significant milestone in the military’s ongoing commitment to a “people-centric” concept championed by the Chief of Defence Staff.
He said, “This conference has been convened to help change negative narratives about the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is an avenue to advance non-kinetic strategies and tools of peace, dialogue, outreach, and engagements that will restore trust and rebuild the vital bridge between the military and the civilians we are sworn to serve.”
