Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Azubike Ihejirika, Monday said the only panacea to the current insecurity challenges in the country was for the civil populace, military and other security agencies to foster good relationship.

Ihejirika disclosed this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the opening of the maiden edition of Nigerian Education (NAEC) Corps Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commission Officers Week in Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.

He said it was based on this that Nigerian Army established the Department of Civil Military Affairs to create the good rappour as well as tackle the problems of insecurity in the country.

Ihejirika, who was represented by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Saidu Bello, said: "As one of the major security, the Nigerian army recognises the importance of security in the country. Thus, the establishment of the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to spearhead the promotion of cordial relationship between the Nigerian army and the civil populace is apt."

According to him, "Let me at this juncture remind us all on the current security challenges in the country, which require collective and extra efforts. I therefore want to specifically urge the participants to use the knowledge they will acquire at this training programme to be more security conscious."

He said: "You should continue to be extra vigilant and mindful of all happenings around you. You should be cautious of your utterances especially when discussing with others, and report any suspicious activities to your superiors."

He, however, added that the training "is a new beginning towards strengthening military professionalism in the NAEC."

Earlier, the Commander NAEC, Major-General Musa Banjiram, had said the current security challenges in the country called for professionalism in the Nigerian army.

The commander said: "The need to achieve professionalism in the Nigerian army necessitated the renewed emphasis on training. This is has become more apparent taking into consideration the security challenges confronting the nation."

He said: "This type of training will therefore enhance our operational efficiency to grapple with current challenges.
The objectives of this training week therefore are to refresh the participants on NAEC's responsibilities in support of my vision to 'reposition NAEC for the excellent performance of its statutory roles.'

Another objective is to equip the participants with NAEC strategies to meet the COAS vision to 'transform the NA into a force better able to meet contemporary challenges."