June 19, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Defence Chief, General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to see the military as a partner in progress, not as an occupation force that is alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect.
The CDS stated this on Thursday, at the Maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relation Conference with the theme “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security”, in Abuja.
Noting that the relationship between the military and the civilian population has, at times, been characterised by suspicion, fear, and mistrust, Musa said the military’s foray into politics with coup and counter-coups was responsible for the mistrust.
“This unfortunate legacy has often hampered our ability to work together effectively, particularly in times of crisis or national emergency. 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 said, adding that even though this perception exists, concerted efforts must be made from both the military and the larger society to change it.
He said, “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 on 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.”
General Musa charged Nigerians to take ownership of the country by getting involved. He also tasked commanders to protect the communities they are deployed to protect.
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