EXCLUSIVE: Navy Trains Personnel Against Sexually Abusing Civilians During Operations

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba 

At least 60 naval personnel including ratings were on Monday subjected to undergo special training for prevention and response to conflict related violence including sexual abuse. Declaring the week-long programme open in Lagos, the Flag Officer Commanding (GOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Adm. Levi Ajuonu, said the training was part of the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Dele Ezeoba.

Ajuonu said that the seminar which drawn participants from different naval formations nationwide was geared towards addressing issues of civilian protection and ensuring professionalism in all aspects of naval training.

According to him, officers and ratings would be exposed to the UN standard on best practices on protection of civilians in peace support operation in internal security as well as international legal dimension.

He pointed out that the Nigerian Navy would no longer work in isolation in the creeks, adding that, the service was equally involved in operations built up areas like Plateau, Borno and Bauchi states.

Ajuonu stated that become extremely necessary for subitants to be trained on how to handle civilians in such operations, noting that, the UN have made several provisions to improve the status of man.

"It is noteworthy that from the inception of your respective sojourn in the navy, you have undergone several training programmes aimed at imparting and sharpening your skills to efficiently discharge your responsibilities.

"However, this one is very unique in the sense that the skills you will acquire are for your individual benefit to facilitate your meritorious service to your fatherland," he disclosed.

Ajuonu said that at the end of the training participants would be expected to to be able to analyse the challenges related to planning and implementation of protection of civilians during operations.