The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has carried out a sensitization lecture in Sokoto State on gender-based violence and professional conduct of troops aimed at strengthening the Military-Civil relationship in the country.
At the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the lecture became imperative to educate and re-orient the military to understand the rights of civilians during conflicts and post-conflict operations for socio-security and economic development in the country.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Military Relations, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, the CDS, said a healthy civil-military relationship strengthens the effectiveness of democratic governance and accountability because it plays a crucial role in ensuring that military decisions reflect the will of the people.
General Christopher Musa noted that the society reposed their confidence in a healthy civil-military relationship that is both professional and respectful of its civilian citizens.
Also, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division NA Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, noted that ensuring the maintenance of security is not just about combat effectiveness but adherence to rules of engagement and international human rights standards.
The GOC explained that the defense headquarters’ activities also featured medical outreach and a football match between Sokoto local communities and the 8th division in a bid to achieve a people-oriented force in the country.