The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has affirmed the Nigerian Army’s (NA) dedication to protecting citizens’ rights during the planning and execution of military operations. This statement was made during the Third Edition of the Nigerian Army Human Rights Seminar, held recently in Lagos. The seminar, centered around the theme “Human Rights and National Security: A Strategic Balance,” was organized by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA) at the 81 Division Officers’ Mess, Victoria Island Lagos. Representing the COAS, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, opened the seminar by emphasizing the importance of human rights in military operations. He stressed that the NA consistently conducts its operations in a professional manner, ensuring the protection of Nigerian citizens from insurgents, criminal elements, and other security threats, while upholding human rights. General Lagbaja also highlighted the Army’s commitment to engaging stakeholders in the multidimensional operating environment. He noted that by fostering collaboration with civil society and the broader public, the Army aims to gain the confidence and support of the civilian population while maintaining a strong focus on human rights. Lagos State, a hub for human rights organizations, civil society, and the media, was deliberately chosen as the seminar’s venue due to its significance in the national and global discourse on human rights. The COAS expressed optimism that the seminar would lead to the development of strategies that align national security objectives with the upholding of human rights during military operations. The Special Guest of Honour, Hon Justice (Prof) Mojeed Adekunle Owoade (Rtd), praised the Army’s leadership for addressing the evolving security landscape by organizing this crucial seminar. He noted that as security challenges increase, particularly in areas where the Army is deployed, it is vital for military institutions to remain adaptable while ensuring human rights are prioritized. Justice Owoade emphasized the importance of balancing individual freedoms with the protection of others’ rights, highlighting that society functions best when these principles are upheld. In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, emphasized that respect for human rights is integral to the Nigerian Army’s code of conduct and rules of engagement. Moreover, the Army continues to take disciplinary measures against violations while raising awareness among troops on the importance of upholding human rights, particularly in counter-insurgency and internal security operations. The seminar attracted senior Army officers, legal experts, government officials, human rights activists, media representatives, and leaders of civil society organizations. Highlights of the event included presentations by prominent speakers, interactive discussions, and the presentation of souvenirs. The seminar concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the day’s insightful and impactful proceedings.
