As part of efforts to deepen civilian-military relations, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Gold Chibuisi, has urged Nigerians to see the Nigerian Army as their own, stressing that soldiers are members of local communities and not outsiders.
Speaking during a roundtable with members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on Saturday in Abuja, General Chibuisi said, “There is no army that doesn’t want itself to be seen as working for the people. We are the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian people own us. It is your army.”
He emphasized the importance of public perception in strengthening national unity, noting that soldiers should be seen as brothers, sons, and neighbors — not as distant or violent enforcers. Sharing a personal anecdote, General Chibuisi recounted how an officer once spent nine months convincing a lady to marry him due to negative stereotypes about soldiers being violent.
“I don’t want another officer to go through that,” he said. “It’s a work in progress, but as we fine-tune the conduct of our personnel and deepen public engagement, things will continue to improve.”
The Civil Military Chief also addressed the growing concern over the misuse of military uniforms by criminals, warning that impersonating soldiers is illegal and poses serious threats to national security.
“Currently, there are a lot of criminals using military uniform to perpetrate crimes. If people keep dressing like that, how do you differentiate between a criminal and a genuine soldier?” he queried.
He called on the media and the public to assist in sensitizing Nigerians on the dangers of impersonation, stressing that offenders should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law rather than being subjected to extrajudicial treatment.
On the broader relationship between the military and the media, General Chibuisi reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to fostering stronger partnerships. He described the roundtable as one of several platforms the army intended to leverage to promote mutual understanding and engagement with the public.
“The role you play in covering our programmes is crucial. It is important that you understand us, to be able to reflect our activities accurately. Through your work, we also get feedback on the impact of our operations,” he said.
Highlighting the Army’s civil-military efforts, General Chibuisi explained that every Nigerian should realize that soldiers come from within the society — they are part of families and communities across the country. 
Providing an overview of the activities of the Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA), Assistant Director of Administration, Lt.-Col. Muhammed Sani, said the army had strengthened relations with local communities through several Quick Impact and Special Intervention Projects executed across the country. He added that the DCMA, established in 2010, serves as a vital bridge between the Nigerian Army and the civilian population.
Earlier, the President of DECAN, Ismail Musa, reaffirmed journalists’ commitment to responsible, investigative, and balanced reporting of security matters. He stressed that the partnership between the military and the media was crucial to defeating terrorism, combating crime, and securing peace and stability in the nation.
“Today’s roundtable is not just for speeches; it’s a call to action. Through accurate reporting, we aim to enhance public understanding, promote national security, and showcase the sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops,” Musa said.
He also pledged sustained collaboration with the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, and other key security institutions to support national efforts at ensuring a safer Nigeria.
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