CDS Advocates Military, Diplomatic, and Community Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing insecurity by combining military strategies with diplomacy, community involvement, and effective governance.
Gen. Musa made this statement during the opening of the 5th International Security Management Course (ISMC-5) held on Monday in Abuja, organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). The course, themed “Emerging Security and Economic Issues in the ECOWAS Sub-region”, was conducted in collaboration with Peace Building Development Consult (PBDC) and the ECOWAS Commission.
Represented by Brig.-Gen. Raymond Utsaha, Deputy Director of Peacekeeping Operations at Defence Headquarters, Gen. Musa highlighted the interconnected nature of modern security threats.
“Security challenges today span terrorism, cyber-threats, transnational organized crime, geopolitical tensions, and environmental disasters,” Musa stated. “Effectively addressing these requires a comprehensive approach that integrates military efforts with diplomacy, community engagement, and good governance.”
He emphasized the importance of equipping leaders, policymakers, and security practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate complex security environments.
“The success of any security strategy hinges on the quality of human capital driving it,” he added. “Continuous education and professional development are crucial for enhancing national and regional security.”
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of NIIA, represented by Prof. Efem Ubi, Director of Studies, also underscored the evolving nature of global security challenges. He noted that the post-Cold War era has introduced diverse state and non-state actors with varying capabilities, further complicating security dynamics.
“The international system has witnessed shifts in global actors’ roles, with some states failing or on the verge of collapse due to insecurity,” Osaghae said. “Addressing these challenges requires collective action and a shared vision for peace and security.”
The ISMC-5 aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, equipping participants to tackle emerging security threats in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.
