In a renewed effort to strengthen conflict management capacities within the Armed Forces, the Nigerian Military has emphasised the importance of resolutions and mediation skills as vital tools for de-escalating tensions, fostering reconciliation, and sustaining long-term peace.
The Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede disclosed this in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of 35 participants of the Conflict Management and Alternative Disputes, a resolution called conducted in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Represented by the Coordinator of the Nigeria Army Training Support and Assistance Team, Army Headquarters, Major General Sylvester Audu, the Army Chief commended the collaboration between Centre and the Mediation Training Institute saying that the initiative complements traditional military training by equipping officers with essential soft skills in negotiation, conflict de-escalation, and post-conflict resolution which is crucial competencies for modern military operations and peace building efforts.
He congratulated the participants on the successful completion of this course as he urged them to take the lessons learned here and apply them diligently across their various commands and areas of operation.
“The ability to mediate disputes, foster understanding, and manage conflict constructively is a force multiplier in both military and civil military engagements”, he said.
The Director General, Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Garba Wahab, Retired says the continued deployment of the Nigerian military across all states since the advent of democratic governance highlights the country’s ongoing struggle with internal conflicts and crises.
According to him, as global trends suggest that such challenges are only likely to increase, there is a growing need to shift focus from reactive force to proactive conflict management.
“One of the most effective approaches is through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which emphasises resolving issues amicably without resorting to litigation or violence”, he said.
Culturally, there is a deep-rooted belief in many communities, including the speaker’s village, that court battles destroy relationships.
Therefore, fostering cordial dialogue and peaceful settlements becomes essential, especially in conflict-prone environments where the military is present adding that soldiers and officers often witness disputes over land, water, or resources, and are expected to act not just as peacekeepers but as mediators who help prevent escalation and promote harmony.
Graduates of the training program are being urged to not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also to actively apply it in their daily lives and assignments.