The Nigerian Navy (NN) has trained 55 officers on building effective civil-military cooperation (CIMIC).
The officers, from the ranks of Sub-Lieutenant to Commanders, were trained in conjunction with the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) for five days at the Joint Maritime Security Training Centre (JMSTC) in Ojo, Lagos.
A flagship course of the NN, participants were exposed to CIMIC planning and management activities, counter-insurgency, laws of armed conflicts, the Geneva Convention and the protection of women and vulnerable groups, among others. At the graduation of the trainees, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas said the current national security posture was fluid and efforts by the military and other government security agencies to address the situation often involved kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
The naval chief advised the beneficiaries of the training programme to bring their experience to bear on the prevailing security situation in Nigeria to effectively tackle terrorism, militancy, banditry as well as armed robbery.
Admiral Ibas urged them to uphold the highest standard of conduct, exemplary character, integrity and excellence.
He stressed the need for collaboration among security agencies to address the situation.
The CNS, who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Admiral Stanfford Enoch, noted that the kinetic operation sometimes adversely affects the environment, various actors and vulnerable groups which often lead to tension between civilians and the military.
“Training on CIMIC in the NN was, therefore, borne out of the need for officers to acquire requisite skills and tools to enable them effectively manage relationships and expectations of the civil populace while ensuring operational successes.
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“Effective CIMIC is an enabler to operational success. If combined with other social engineering strategies, it could expedite the process for national peace and security.
“I am convinced that during the course, participants have acquired requisite knowledge and skills that would significantly improve their capacities to act as well as advice their commanders during operations. Such advice is centred on processes if winning the hearts and minds of the populace they are likely to meet in their areas of operation,” he said.
Admiral Ibas said the NN had recorded some key deliverables towards deepening CIMIC for effective maritime security and national development.
The CNS stressed that structures had been put in place to enhance communication with the civil populace.
He said the NN had appointed CIMIC officers at command and unit levels, included CIMIC in all professional courses for all ranks as well as ensured adherence to rules of engagement and international humanitarian law.
“The NN is also implementing and mainstreaming gender related policies and programmes towards effective CIMIC,” Ibas said.
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