CDS Directs Theatre Commanders to Integrate CIMIC in their Operations- DHQ
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede has directed all Theatre Commanders to fully integrate Civil Military Cooperation(CIMIC) into their operational activities, ensuring professionalism, facilitating the resettlement of displaced communities in order to reinforce public confidence in military operations.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja dropped the hint while briefing defence correspondents on the ongoing military operations across several theaters on the country in the last one month.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria(AFN) reaffirms that community cooperation remains a vital pillar of national security and will continue to expand CIMIC initiatives as part of efforts to build inclusive and sustainable peace across the country.
The AFN recognises that lasting peace cannot be achieved through kinetic operations alone and has therefore sustained robust Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities across its theatres of operations.
According to him and within the period under review, peace and security meetings were conducted in Logo, Guma, and Agatu LGAs of Benue State to promote peaceful coexistence and address recurring communal and ethnic tensions. Similar engagements were held in Takum and Donga LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Toto LGA of Nasarawa State.
In addition, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) carried out civil-military relations initiatives in Mangu LGA of Plateau State, including the distribution of fertiliser to representatives of traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Jama’tul Islam, as well as the organisation of a 17-kilometre marathon to foster unity and strengthen community trust, with prizes awarded to top participants.
Also, Op ENDURING PEACE launched a concerted operation in Southern Kaduna to secure the farming season through enhanced security, farmer support, and community collaboration to prevent conflict and ensure food production.
He noted that the weight of operational outcomes recorded by OPEP troops reflects a sustained dedicated campaign to ensure food security.
He said the CDS assures every Nigerian that all communities are considered important to the AFN protection, and no criminal or terrorist organisation, regardless of its financial resources, geographic spread, or ideological ambition is beyond the AFN.
He urged the public to continue partnering with the AFN by providing timely and credible intelligence through available reporting channels, while calling on the media to sustain responsible, factual, and patriotic reporting that supports national security objectives and counters terrorist propaganda.
He said Nigeria’s peace is a shared responsibility and the AFN shall honour that responsibility with every resource, every soldier, and every ounce of national resolve at its disposal.
