Drug Abuse, Sexual Violence Undermine Security Operations — CDS Oluyede Warns

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has warned that drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse undermine security operations.

Gen. Oluyede issued the warning when he spoke at a one day workshop on Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation with the theme: “Enhancing Operational Effectiveness Through Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism Operations.”

The CDS said the issues also directly or indirectly affect individual wellbeing, discipline, operational readiness and the credibility of security operations.

“Particular attention would be geared towards the menace of drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and their prevention in operational environments,” Oluyede said.

“These issues directly or indirectly affect individual wellbeing, discipline, operational readiness and the credibility of security operations.”

The Defence Chief, who was represented by the chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Jingirim Kachim, tasked personnel of the Armed Forces to enthrone civilian protection ,respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law in counter terrorism efforts.

He said the security environment in and around Nigeria has remained complex, dynamic and multidimensional.

The CDS said terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal conflicts, criminality and other forms of insecurity have continue to affect communities and civilian populations.

He said these challenges require more than military strength and kinetic operations as they demand a comprehensive and coordinated approach that places the protection of lives, human dignity and community wellbeing at the centre of our security efforts.

He noted that human security extends the concept of security beyond the protection of territory to include the safety, dignity and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

“Operational effectiveness must consequently be pursued alongside the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

According to him, these principles strengthen legitimacy, public confidence and the sustainability of security operations.

He said through effective engagement with communities, traditional authorities, government institutions and other stakeholders can improve situational understanding, strengthen trust and facilitate more effective responses to security threats.

He noted that the workshop enhance understanding of human security issues that directly affect operational effectiveness.

“Particular attention would be geared towards the menace of drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and their prevention in operational environments. These issues directly or indirectly affect individual wellbeing, discipline, operational readiness and the credibility of security operations.”

In his welcome remarks, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal said the workshop is designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of human security and civil-military cooperation as it affects operations of security agencies.

He said the workshop underscores the need to integrate human security considerations into operational planning, execution and assessment.

He reiterated that contemporary security threats are increasingly complex, adaptive and interconnected requiring an integrated approach that addresses the security, safety, dignity and welfare of affected populations.

“Knowledge of Human security principles therefore, provides an important framework for understanding these challenges. It recognises that lasting security must address threats to individuals and communities, including violence, displacement, exploitation, abuse and other conditions that undermine human dignity. In line with the foregoing, it cannot be denied that Civil-Military Cooperation is critical to the success of counter-terrorism operations.”

He emphasised that the ultimate measure of the workshop will be its contribution to improved operational practice.

“As professionals entrusted with the security of our nation, we must remain conscious that operational effectiveness and respect for human dignity are mutually reinforcing. Protection of civilians, adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights must remain integral to our operations.

“I hope that the workshop will enhance our collective understanding of human security and civil-military cooperation. I further trust that it will contribute to more effective, coordinated and responsive counter-terrorism operations.”