From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
It has been observed that improving the state of Civil-Military Relations (CMR) in Nigeria is key to preserving human security and checking abuses by the state security forces would ensure balanced recruitment into state security forces.
Speaking during the Military Relations Forum on the performance of Human Rights Desks in Military Formations and Operations in Nigeria, Salaudeen Hasim Director of Programme CLEEN Foundation held at the National Human Rights Conference hall in Abuja recently organized by the CLEEN Foundation.
The theme of the paper was “Introduction to Civil-Military Relations for Human Security in Nigeria”
While saying that, appropriate and adequate resources should be made for state security forces, and the government should approve the deployment of the military for ISO and PSO Develop mechanisms to ensure accountability in security forces and also approve disciplinary action imposed on indicted state security forces officers.
He further explained that security forces should show mutual respect and drum support for the military both in peace/conflict times and also engage security forces in dialogues to clear areas of concern by monitoring and exposing human rights abuses by the military.
According to him, exposing (mis)use of the Military by the government/political class, while promoting public awareness of the unique nature of military culture CMR is a bargain negotiated between the citizens, government authorities, and the military.
He said the focus should be on increasing public awareness and familiarity of the military’s role and mission to bridge the “familiarity gap,” adding that, the growing gap between citizens and those who fight or have fought results in increasing levels of ignorance about the role and engagement of the military, despite the sacrifices of the military.
While noting that, the government should mobilise to support military remembrance/memorable events (Branded lapel pin- Heroes)and conduct nationwide/zonal/state perception surveys.
The Direction of the Programme further stated that Nigeria faces a myriad of security threats — violent extremism, ethno-religious conflicts, communal clashes, militancy, separatist agitations, and cultism.
He said, the unprecedented increase in violence – criminality and conflicts – has necessitated increasing deployment of the military in internal security operations (ISO)
While saying that, efforts and actions of the military have attracted both commendation and condemnation in security provisioning.
Speaking earlier the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation Had Peter said, that CLEEN Foundation commissioned research that aimed to underscore the critical importance of understanding the dynamics of social relations between the civilian populations and the military.
According to him, It was primarily sought to discuss the state of Civil-Military Relations in Northeast and Northwest, Nigeria, as well as contribute to building a better relationship between the military and the media for enhanced civil-military relations and assess security dynamics within the Borno and Zamfara state context vis- a-viz civil-military relations.
He explained that the research showed a deficit trajectory of the civil-military programmes and interventions using a laboratory diagnosis of the factors constraining social relations amongst populations.
“Hence, in a country fraught with conflicts and crises, the significance of this dialogue cannot be overstated. It serves as a guiding light, reminding us of our collective responsibility to alleviate human suffering, protect the vulnerable, and maintain a semblance of civility even amid the chaos of conflict. he stated.
According to him, as stakeholders, you play an indispensable role in translating these principles into actionable measures that can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals, acknowledging them and urging them to reflect on their commitment to enhancing security and civil-military relations in Nigeria.
While encouraging them to actively engage in the discussions, share their perspectives, and collaborate with their peers to make this event a resounding success.
