General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), is spearheading an effort to fundamentally reshape the relationship between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian populace. Speaking at the inaugural Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relation Conference in Abuja, General Musa articulated a vision of the military as a trusted partner in national progress, moving away from the perception of an occupying force.
The conference, themed “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security,” underscores the military’s commitment to fostering trust, respect for human rights, and collaborative partnerships with communities across the nation.
General Musa openly acknowledged the historical challenges that have marred military-civilian relations in Nigeria. “Historically, the relationship between the military and the civilian population has, at times, been characterized by suspicion, fear, and mistrust,” he stated. He recognized that this “unfortunate legacy” has often hindered effective collaboration, particularly during times of crisis or national emergency.
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However, the CDS emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are a constitutionally established institution deeply rooted in democratic principles and accountable to the Nigerian people. He stressed the importance of changing the narrative and building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.
The Civil-Military Relation Conference is envisioned as an annual platform for open dialogue, thoughtful reflection, and practical collaboration. The ultimate objective, according to General Musa, is to “win hearts and minds” by shifting from a purely kinetic, force-based approach to one that prioritizes trust-building, respect for human rights, and community partnership. This new direction is encapsulated in the conference theme, “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security.”
