Respect For Human Rights Enhances Legitimacy, Strengthens Civil-Military Relations – NA

By Bashir Ishaq 

The Nigerian Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs has reiterated the importance of human rights and professional conduct in military operations. 

The army says this came in continuation of its efforts in sensitizing troops, as it held a one-day sensitization workshop for troops of Headquarters Sector 1 Joint Task Force (NE) OPERATION HADIN KAI in Maiduguri.

According to the statement released on Friday, signed by Major Ojo Adenigan, the acting director Army Information Management, Nigerian Army Headquarters, department of civil-military relations, said the workshop, held at the Theatre Officers’ Mess, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State, aimed to educate troops on the constitutional necessity of protecting and promoting human rights of law-abiding citizens.

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In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen Musa A Etsu-Ndagi, emphasized that “the modern battlefield is not only physical but also perceptual”, stressing that every action or inaction of a soldier can impact the Nigerian Army’s operational legitimacy, national security, and diplomatic relations.

The workshop featured lectures on Children in Armed Conflict, Psychoactive Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Family Cohesion, and Human Rights and Professional Conduct. Participants engaged in an interactive session, contributing valuable insights and asking questions.

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The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs noted that respect for human rights enhances legitimacy, builds public trust, and strengthens civil-military relations, contrary to the notion that it hinders operational effectiveness.

The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to resource persons and a group photograph.