SAN FRANCISCO, October 22, (THEWILL) – President Goodluck Jonathan, Thursday, stressed the need for improved civil-military cooperation in the country.
He stated this while declaring open the first ever International Workshop on Civil-Military Cooperation and Observance of Human Rights in Internal Security Operations which held at the National Defence College, Abuja.
According to President Jonathan, “We are in a period when we are confronted with the threat of terrorism and where our security forces must operate in the midst of the civil population.”
He stressed that though the Nigeria military and security forces have had a long history of involvement in internal security operations globally , the current spate of insurgency has thrown up fresh and distinct challenges for the security forces.
“Today’s counter insurgency operations represent complex and unpredictable battles against enemies, often concealed within civilian populations. It is therefore logical that the support of the populace is critical to the success of these security operations,” he said
President Jonathan said counter insurgency operations in most countries facing challenges of terrorism call for extensive cooperation between the civilian populace and the security agencies.
“Therefore, improving on Civil-Military Cooperation must be a matter of priority and urgency, for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, for enhanced humane security operations towards the attainment of national and international security objectives,” he said.
According to the President, “Indeed, cordial Civil-Military relations have become a norm of professionalism worldwide, in developing, as well as in developed nations. In Nigeria, the study of civil-military relations in recent times is no longer the concern of only scholars and security forces, but indeed for government as well as the general public.
“You may recall that following the inception of democratic rule in 1999, the long period of military rule necessitated efforts at improved Civil–Military relations, and the re-professionalisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Over time, the issue of professionalism and Civil-Military relations has become so important to the Government and the military,that special departments now exist in the military establishment, for the study and promotion of Civil-Military relations.
“This workshop will no doubt serve as a veritable platform for the Nigerian Armed Forces and relevant security agencies, to key into current international best practices, in this very important requirement for the conduct of successful counter terrorism operations, and other emergent military operations. The Workshop would further facilitate the development of a doctrine that will bring the Nigerian Armed Forces, other security agencies and the civilian population even closer, in all internal security operations.”
The President who acknowledged the presence of members of the Judiciary, Academia, representatives of governments, International Development Partners, the Media, Civil Society Organizations, as well as other critical stake holders, at the Workshop in addition to officials from the Security Sector, said: “I am particularly hopeful that collective resolve will be reached here, in addressing Human Rights concerns, associated with internal security operations, in Nigeria.”
He said the country’s leadership has taken very seriously, reports from some international organisations about perceived human rights abuses by the country’s security forces during military operations, lamenting that it was generally discovered that these reports are, in the main, exaggerated.
“However, we will do everything in our powers to ensure that the rights of our citizens as enshrined in our constitution are respected. We want to appeal to the human rights community for broader cooperation, and deeper understanding of the circumstances that we face and for greater appreciation of the efforts put in place for improved civil-military relationship, as exemplified by this workshop.
“Our commitment to continue to investigate and bring to a just and fair closure, any suspected or reported case of human rights abuse shall go on unhindered,” he however assured.
Reaffirming the commitment of his administration towards supporting the country’s security agencies, in their daily task of protecting Nigerians at this most difficult time, he promised to continue to provide the best of training and acquire appropriate equipment to enable them defend the nation and all residents of the country.
