By Uriel Ihotu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding and national cohesion through the implementation of civilian-focused development projects across the country. This was disclosed by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, during an exclusive appearance on the Security Watch Africa programme, aired on Africa Independent Television (AIT) on Saturday.
Speaking on the theme, “The Use of Non-Kinetic Operations in the Fight Against Terrorism,” Rear Admiral Bankole emphasized that beyond conventional military operations, the AFN is investing in quick-impact projects to win the hearts and minds of local communities and foster enduring peace.
“Sometimes we’ve had to fly clean drinking water into communities. These may seem like small acts, but their generational impact cannot be overstated,” Bankole said.
He stressed that such non-kinetic engagements are not traditionally within the military’s core mandate, but have become necessary to stabilize conflict-prone areas and encourage trust between the military and civilians.
“The goal is simple peace. Without peace, there can be no development. And to achieve peace, we must first build relationships of trust,” he added.
Civilians Key to Intelligence, Security Operations
Highlighting the indispensable role of local communities, Bankole noted that civilians remain the primary source of intelligence for the military in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“Operations take place in civilian-dominated environments. The people know the terrain, their communities, and the tactics of bad actors. Their support is crucial to our success,” he said.
A Call for Collective Governance
While acknowledging the extensive roles the military has been compelled to play including responding to natural disasters and supporting electoral processes Rear Admiral Bankole emphasized that the military cannot do it alone.
He urged state and local governments, community leaders, and religious organizations to take active roles in supporting development and promoting civic stability.
“There’s a limit to what the military can do. Security is everyone’s responsibility. We call on all tiers of government and civil society to work hand-in-hand with us in securing Nigeria,” he said.
Bankole concluded with an appeal for national unity and appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
“We must learn to love our military and value every institution of our country. National development begins with national unity.”
