Abuja: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and civil society organisations (CSOs) to address the nation’s complex security challenges. Oluyede made the call at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Army Civil-Military Affairs Training for NGOs and CSOs, on Wednesday in Abuja. He was represented by Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, Director, Test and Evaluation, Defence Research and Development Bureau.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Oluyede emphasized that the evolving security threats confronting the nation require a whole-of-society approach built on mutual trust, understanding, and coordinated efforts among all stakeholders. He highlighted that the training was designed to familiarise participants with the doctrines, operations, and activities of the Nigerian Army, aiming to enhance civil understanding and improve perception of military efforts across various theatres of operation.
Oluyede noted, “The dynamics of our security landscape have underscored the need for effective engagement between the military and the civil populace as joint stakeholders in peace, stability, and national development.” He assured participants that the Nigerian Army is committed to ensuring a secure environment that allows NGOs and CSOs to deliver their services effectively, with the protection of civilians remaining central to their operations.
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, remarked on the importance of deepening civil-military cooperation to strengthen peace, stability, and public confidence in ongoing security operations across the country. He described the forum as a strategic collaboration between the military and humanitarian actors, highlighting the army’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect for human rights in all engagements.
Chibuisi explained that the training aims to bridge understanding between the military and civil society, acquaint participants with the dynamics of military operations, and promote effective coordination in humanitarian and community engagement efforts. He stressed the importance of fostering mutual trust and dialogue to address Nigeria’s complex security and socio-economic challenges.
The Chairman of the Steering Committee, Partnership Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) Network, Mr. Jaiye Gaskiya, commended the Nigerian Army for deepening engagement with non-governmental and civil society organisations. Gaskiya described the initiative as “a bold and progressive step toward strengthening trust and accountability in national security operations.” He noted that the training provides an invaluable platform for both military and civilian actors to exchange perspectives, harmonise approaches, and work collectively toward addressing the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict and insecurity across Nigeria.
Mr. Kayode Bolaji, the Executive Director of Peace Building Development Consult, lauded the army’s civil-military coordination training as “a timely and forward-looking intervention.” Bolaji emphasized the need for structured engagement to reduce misunderstanding and enhance operational synergy, acknowledging the complex environment in which both humanitarian and military actors operate. He called for the integration of humanitarian perspectives into military planning and for continuous capacity-building on both sides.