The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has stated that there is need to promote a unified approach to countering improvised explosive devices as the expertise and dedication of the security agencies, and the custodian of the law are invaluable in navigating the challenges now and in days ahead.
The NSA was addressing stakeholders in the security and justice sectors who converged at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to analyse the intricate balance between security operations and the justice system at a 2-day Security and Justice Symposium.
The Symposium organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser in Collaboration with the British High Commission had the theme; ”Securing Peace, Ensuring Justice, Protection, Conduct and Accountability”.
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu while addressing the meeting said it is important to analyze and strengthen the intricate relationship between military operations and law enforcement, enhancing the protection of civilians, fostering a culture of justice and accountability, and promoting a unified approach in countering improvised explosive devices.
"This Security and Justice Symposium, is a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration amongst esteemed security and justice institutions. Our objective today is clear, to delve into the challenges and opportunities for growth within the realms of security and justice"
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa said it is important that there is equity, fairness and justice for peace to thrive, emphasizing that everybody must have a sense of belonging which are vital to the non kenetic aspect of security,
The CDS said Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are a major challenge in military operations and the military continously look for creative ways to tackle the threats.
"We must tackle those who support terrorists, their oxygen is that Suport system and funding they get and we must stifle it. The role of the citizens can't be over emphasized, it is important that the security agencies get suport and good information from the citizens "
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery stressed that at the heart of the discuss is a recognition of the importance of upholding the rule of law, human rights, humanitarian law, international humanitarian law, and their important role in tackling security challenges.
According to the British High Commissioner, there is the need to consider the different legal principles and frameworks that apply to criminal violence or violent conflicts and how they can be dealt with in conflict zones.
"I am really delighted to hear General Christopher Musa, sir, talk about the nexus between civil and military collaboration, between kinetic and non-kinetic action, and this is an area where we've seen some really important lessons for us emerge from the Nigerian security architecture, and it's really inspiring to be working alongside all the security and relevant agencies"
"this symposium today on security and justice is a continuation of a dialogue that we've already started, a security and defence partnership that was first initiated some years ago, but was renewed,under the National Security Advisor's leadership earlier this year in February, and very much, I think, we have had a good dialogue on the fact that we all face really complex security challenges in many parts of the world, certainly in West Africa region, and even in Nigeria itself, and these complex challenges require a multifaceted approach"
"I think that there's already been a productive dialogue in our security and defence partnership. We had a legal frameworks roundtable with Nigerian military officers earlier this year, and a really good debate about how we adapt to different situations, and I'm hoping today we'll help progress that dialogue on which Nigerian legal frameworks are appropriate in which circumstances" stated the British Commissioner.
Mr. Richard Montgomery admits that the UK from its experience and involvement in armed conflict knows too well that incorporating human rights doctrine can be quite challenging as the strategies needed are not without complexity.
"Like you General Musa Sir, our distinguished officer like Sir Rowley, head of British Army argues that human rights are not a constraint but they are a strategic enabler in countering adversaries that often seek to exploit human suffering and to inject a narrative of grievance which we need to counter in order to build the support of the wider population"
While reflecting, Mr. Montgomery said Nigeria and the UK have had an incredibly productive, open relationship between the civilian and the military components that work on peace and security.
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