An Associate Professor Plangsat Bitrus Dayil has advocated effective civil- military cooperation as laudable factor in addressing security challenges in Nigeria which will enhance human security in the country.
Penpushing reports that Dayil made this known in her paper presentation at exchange programme tagged ‘Civil-Military Relations”, organized by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung-Nigeria in partnership with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), held in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.
The resource person highlighted the important roles civilians can play in improving Civil-Military Relations (CMR), noting that both civilians and security agencies can be carriers of intelligence, but in different ways and with different responsibilities.
‘Civilians often serve as the primary sources of raw intelligence, especially in communities. Civilians can provide critical information about potential threats, suspicious activities, or local dynamics’, she said.
‘Security agencies are the official carriers, processors, and analyzers of intelligence. They collect, verify, interpret, and act on intelligence to inform national security decisions. So, while civilians are essential contributors, especially in human intelligence, security agencies are the formal custodians and users of intelligence. Thus, effective Civil Military cooperation ensures that intelligence flows both ways–from the people to the state, and from the state to protect the people’, Dayil stated.
Penpushing further reports that the university don emphasized role of civilians in promoting healthy Civil Military-Relations (CMR) in Nigeria which include promote public awareness about the military culture, drum support for the military both in peace/conflict times, robustly engage with the military to clear areas of concern, monitor and expose human rights abuses by military and expose (mis)use of the military by state actors
The resource person who works with University of Jos added that efforts and actions of the military have attracted both commendation and, in some instances, condemnation in security provisioning, but stated that yet, improving the state of Civil Military-Relations (CMR) in Nigeria is key to preserving human security
Penpushing also reports that she explained that Civil Military-Relations (CMR) refers to the interactions, balance of power, and mutual responsibilities between civilian authorities, society, and the military, which aim to ensure democratic control of the armed forces, national security, and the protection of human rights.
‘A Civilian is any non-military individual or member of society who interacts with, influences, or is affected by the actions and policies of the armed forces, particularly in efforts to promote accountability, cooperation, and human security’.
‘Human Security is a people-centred approach to security that protects individuals from critical and pervasive threats, such as violence, poverty, disease, and natural disasters, while promoting their well-being, dignity, and freedom’.
Penpushing reports that Dayil said the nature and principle of Civil Military-Relations (CMR) revolve around the structured interaction between civilian authorities and the military, ensuring that the armed forces remain under democratic control while effectively contributing to national security.
‘At its core, CMR is founded on the principle of civilian supremacy, where elected leaders and institutions guide defence policies and military conduct. It emphasises mutual respect, accountability, and transparency, fostering a relationship where the military respects civilian oversight, and civilians understand and support the military’s role. This balance is essential for maintaining peace, protecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development in democratic societies’.
Penpushing further reports that she stated that challenges to stable Civil Military-Relations (CMR) include clash of normative imperative, militarisation of security management, violation of human rights and rules of engagement inter-agency mistrust/rivalry/clashes, weak accountability mechanism, poor civilian understanding of military
‘One major challenge CMR is the clash of normative imperatives, which arises from the differing foundational values and operational priorities of civilian and military institutions. Civilians, particularly in democratic societies, prioritise transparency, accountability, human rights, and participatory governance, while the military often operates under principles of hierarchy, discipline, secrecy, and mission effectiveness’.
‘This divergence can lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and friction, especially when military actions are perceived as undermining democratic norms or when civilian oversight is seen as interfering with operational efficiency.
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