CDS Urges Veterans to Serve as First Responders to Community Conflicts

By Aluko Adeyemi

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, has called on military veterans across Nigeria to take on a more active role in maintaining peace by serving as first responders to conflicts within their communities.

The CDS made the appeal while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Skills Accreditation and Certificate Training held at the Command Officers’ Mess in Abuja.

The training programme, organised by the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute Nigeria and the Defence Headquarters, is designed to equip veterans with practical skills in mediation, negotiation, and alternative dispute resolution.

In his address, General Oluyede emphasised the changing nature of Nigeria’s security landscape, noting that modern conflict management now requires a balance between kinetic (military force) and non-kinetic (peacebuilding) approaches.

According to him, while the use of force remains necessary in certain situations, long-term stability is better achieved through early intervention, dialogue, and structured conflict resolution.

“Experience has shown that sustainable peace is achieved when conflicts are de-escalated early before they spiral beyond control. This initiative complements ongoing military operations by strengthening community-based peacebuilding efforts,” he said.

The CDS described the initiative as a strategic step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s broader security architecture, stressing that national security is not solely the responsibility of active service personnel but also benefits from the continued contributions of retired officers.

He noted that military veterans possess a unique blend of experience, discipline, and institutional knowledge, having been exposed to both operational and academic environments throughout their careers.

“Veterans remain a vital national asset. They understand the dynamics of conflict, the cost of war, and the value of peace. Their involvement at the grassroots level can help prevent disputes from escalating into full-blown crises,” Oluyede added.

The training programme marks a growing recognition of the role of community-based conflict resolution in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges, including communal clashes, local disputes, and other forms of civil unrest.

Security analysts say integrating veterans into peacebuilding initiatives could significantly enhance early warning systems and conflict prevention mechanisms, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with diverse security threats, stakeholders believe that combining military expertise with mediation and dialogue-based strategies could provide a more sustainable path to national stability.

The initiative, organisers say, is part of a broader effort to harness the experience of retired military personnel in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion, and supporting long-term security across the country.