The Citizens Security Awareness Initiative (CSAI), a civil society group, has warned against attempts to politicise the Armed Forces, saying such actions could erode public trust in the military.
The group in a statement by its Convener, Muktar Sadiq, on Saturday, also dismissed claims linking the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to partisan political activities as false and misleading.
Sadiq said narratives associating Oluyede with any political party were baseless, adding that the Armed Forces had earned public respect through professionalism, discipline and adherence to constitutional and democratic principles.
He warned that attempts to drag the military into partisan contests could undermine Nigeria’s democratic development and create unnecessary divisions.
“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.
“Attempts to portray him as a partisan actor are not only false but also unfair to the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.
Sadiq said Oluyede remained focused on defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
He said the CDS had continued to provide strategic leadership to military operations nationwide and should not be distracted by politically motivated allegations.
According to him, the military belongs to all Nigerians irrespective of political, ethnic or religious affiliations and must remain above partisan contests.
He warned that politicising the Armed Forces could compromise public confidence in national institutions and weaken Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Sadiq said that the military institutions derived their credibility from neutrality and professionalism, stressing that such values must be protected.
He commended officers and men of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in defending the nation and confronting security threats across the country.
The group leader urged politicians, activists and commentators to exercise caution and avoid statements capable of portraying the military as aligned with political interests.
He also called on the media to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication and avoiding amplification of unsubstantiated claims.
He 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.
