Abuja: The Citizens Security Awareness Initiative (CSAI), a civil society group, has issued a warning against attempts to politicise the Armed Forces, stating that such actions could erode public trust in the military. The group emphasized the importance of maintaining the military’s professionalism and impartiality in national affairs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the group, through its Convener, Muktar Sadiq, dismissed claims linking the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to partisan political activities as false and misleading. Sadiq argued that narratives associating Oluyede with any political party were baseless and harmful to the Armed Forces’ reputation, which has been built on professionalism, discipline, and adherence to constitutional and democratic principles.
Sadiq highlighted the potential dangers of dragging the military into partisan contests, warning that it could undermine Nigeria’s democratic development and create unnecessary divisions. He emphasized that the Chief of Defence Staff is a professional soldier whose allegiance is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not to any political party. Portraying him as a partisan actor is not only false but also unfair to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Sadiq stated.
The CSAI Convener affirmed that Oluyede remains focused on defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats. He praised Oluyede’s strategic leadership in military operations nationwide and urged that politically motivated allegations should not distract him.
Sadiq stressed that the military belongs to all Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, and must remain above partisan contests. Politicising the Armed Forces, he warned, could compromise public confidence in national institutions and weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework. The credibility of military institutions derives from their neutrality and professionalism, values that must be protected.
He commended the officers and men of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the nation and confronting security threats across the country. The group leader called on politicians, activists, and commentators to exercise caution and avoid statements capable of portraying the military as aligned with political interests. He also urged the media to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication and avoiding the amplification of unsubstantiated claims.
In conclusion, Sadiq reaffirmed the group’s confidence in Oluyede’s leadership and urged Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability.