The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to a people-centric, ethically grounded and professionally accountable military.
General Oluyede made this known on Monday during the opening ceremony of the Human Security and Gender Advisers Course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), Asokoro, Abuja.
He was represented at the event by the Chief of Defence Standards and Evaluation, Major General Ibrahim Lassa. 
The CDS commended the British Defence Staff for their sustained support and cooperation in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the AFN, particularly in the area of civil-military relations.
He noted that the collaboration reflects the enduring defence partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, built on shared values and a mutual commitment to people-oriented approaches to national security.
General Oluyede observed that Nigeria’s security environment remains complex and multidimensional, shaped by asymmetric warfare, violent extremism, communal conflicts, transnational crimes and humanitarian emergencies that directly impact the civilian population. 
He stressed that modern security efforts must go beyond territorial defence to include the protection of lives, preservation of human dignity and the strengthening of societal resilience.
According to him, the course aligns with his strategic philosophy of consolidating the capacities of the AFN through enhanced jointness, a reinforced operational posture, improved welfare initiatives and sound administration under a whole-of-government approach.
He said the AFN is being repositioned as a force that is not only operationally capable but also ethically grounded, people-centred and responsive to the socio-cultural realities of its operational environment.
The CDS further emphasised that preventive action, collaboration with civilian institutions and the protection of civilians have become integral elements of military effectiveness. 
He described human security and gender advisory roles as force multipliers that enhance legitimacy, expand operational reach and improve mission sustainability.
He urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the course for knowledge exchange, critical reflection and professional networking, noting that the skills acquired must be applied in operational planning, field deployments and engagements with civilian populations.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Saburi Lawal, described the course as a key initiative aimed at enhancing the professional competence of Nigeria’s security institutions. He explained that participants were carefully selected to serve in advisory roles within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Rear Admiral Lawal expressed confidence that the training would strengthen professionalism, improve civil-military cooperation and build trust between security agencies and the civilian population. He encouraged participants to approach the programme with dedication, professionalism and an open mind.
The AFN reiterated its commitment to continued collaboration with partners in capacity building and the professional development of its personnel.
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