Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has warned that drug abuse and addiction, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse can undermine the effectiveness and credibility of security operations.

Oluyede, at a one-day workshop on Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation, said the vices could directly or indirectly affect operational readiness, the credibility of security operations, individual well-being and discipline.

The theme of the workshop was “Enhancing Operational Effectiveness Through Human Security and Civil-Military Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism Operations.”

The CDS, however, assured that particular attention would be geared towards stemming the vices, especially in “ operational environments.”

“These issues or vices directly or indirectly affect individual well-being, discipline, operational readiness and the credibility of security operations,” he said.

Oluyede, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, urged personnel of the Armed Forces to prioritise civilian protection, respect for human rights and s adhere strictly to the rule of law in counter-terrorism operations.

He said that the complex, dynamic and multidimensional security challenges like terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal conflicts, criminality and others have continued to affect communities and civilian populations.

Pointing out that the challenges require more than military strength and kinetic operations, the Defence chief stressed the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach that places the protection of lives, human dignity and community well-being at the centre of security efforts.

Oluyede noted that ‘human security’’ extends the concept of security beyond the protection of territory to include the safety, dignity and well-being of individuals and communities.

“Operational effectiveness must consequently be pursued alongside the protection of civilians, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law,” the CDS said.

According to him, adherence to these principles will strengthen the legitimacy, public confidence and sustainability of security operations.

He added that effective engagement with communities, traditional authorities, government institutions and other stakeholders could improve situational understanding, strengthen trust and facilitate more effective responses to security threats.

Oluyede said the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of human security issues that directly affect operational effectiveness, particularly the prevention of drug abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation and abuse in operational environments.

The Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Lawal, said the workshop was designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of human security and civil-military cooperation as they relate to the operations of security agencies.

He stated that contemporary security threats were increasingly complex, adaptive and interconnected, requiring an integrated approach that addressed the security, safety, dignity and welfare of affected populations.

Lawal said: “Knowledge of human security principles, therefore, provides an important framework for understanding these challenges. It recognises that lasting security must address threats to individuals and communities, including violence, displacement, exploitation, abuse and other conditions that undermine human dignity.

“In line with the foregoing, it cannot be denied that civil-military cooperation is critical to the success of counter-terrorism operations.” (The Nation)