Nigerian Army Sensitizes Troops On Human Rights, Professional Conduct In Makurdi

Nigerian Army Sensitizes Troops On Human Rights, Professional Conduct In Makurdi

In a renewed drive to entrench discipline, respect for human rights, and professional conduct among its personnel, the Nigerian Army, under the directive of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General OO Oluyede NAM, today 6th August 2025 held a one-day Sensitization Workshop on Human Rights and Professional Conduct at the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME), Makurdi.

The workshop, organized by the Department of Civil-Military Affairs (DCMA), brought together officers and soldiers from 401 Special Forces Brigade, NASME, and the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology (NACEST).

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General GU Chibuisi, Major General Fadairo described the modern battlefield as both physical and perceptual, where every action or inaction by soldiers could affect public perception, operational legitimacy, and even diplomatic relations.

He highlighted deliberate efforts by the Army to institutionalize respect for human rights through training programs, human rights desks, civil society engagement, and collaborations with national and international organizations. According to him, “respect for human rights is not a hindrance to operational effectiveness; rather, it enhances legitimacy, builds public trust, and strengthens civil-military relations.”

He also reminded personnel of their responsibilities not just as soldiers, but as custodians of family and societal values, drawing attention to growing concerns over cases of spousal and child abandonment. He urged troops to embrace responsible family living, warning that neglect at the family level often spills over into wider social dysfunction and indiscipline.

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant NASME, Major General IE Ekpeyong, underscored the importance of the workshop in the context of ongoing internal security operations across the country. He stressed that troops must understand the boundaries of lawful engagement, especially in civilian-populated areas, and called on all participants to internalize the principles of human rights, international humanitarian law, and the Army’s operational code of conduct.

The workshop featured lectures on International Humanitarian Law, Professional Conduct, Speaking Engagement on Drugs, Psychoactive Substance Abuse, and Responsible Family Life. Notable facilitators included renowned actor and advocate Mr. Osita Iheme, representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and senior serving and retired military personnel of the NA.

Participants were encouraged to engage actively during the interactive sessions and seek clarifications to ensure they apply the knowledge gained in the field and within their personal lives.

The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs, and a strong reaffirmation of the Army’s resolve to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and accountability in all its operations. As part of the engagement, the representative of the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs also paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade/ Sector OPWS Colonel KO Bukoye, at the Brigade Headquarters.