EXCLUSIVE: Preparing Naval Personnel for Against Sexual Violence in Internal Security Operations

CNS, VICE ADMIRAL EZEOBA

In the wake of several indicting reports often trailing the military after each internal security operations, the Nigerian Navy (NN), yesterday subjected both officers and ratings of the force to training on protection of civilians in peace support operation and internal security.

A first of its kind training, the seminar which was held at the Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC) headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, was geared towards addressing issues of civilian protection instead of harassment and sometimes rape and death as was witnessed during the Odi massacre.

Drawn from the different naval formations nationwide, the 60 personnel of the service are expected to undergo training for prevention and response  to conflict related violence including sexual violence and international legal dimension of protection of civilians in internal security and peace security operations. 

The protection of civilians in peace security operations is a phenomenon n that is currently emphasised by the UN and in the appropriate legislation and resolution by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which was enacted to guide the conduct and practice of personnel in times of conflict.

In an interview with journalists, the Flag Officer Commanding (GOC), NAVTRAC, Rear Admiral Levi Ajuonu, said the five-day training was part of the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, to emplace professionalism in all aspects of naval training.

Considering the current state of security in the nation, Ajuonu said the NN can no longer work in isolation in the creeks and so are involved in operations built up areas like Jos, Madugiri and Bauchi amongst others.

In the light of that development, he said it is considered extremely necessary for subitants to be trained on how to handle civilians in such operations, especially as the United Nations has made several provisions to improve the status of man, thus human rights cannot be taken for granted again.

He said, "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 said 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.

Ajuonu added that the training which is critical would go a long way in determine how professional they handle in the field, adding that the entire nation is depending on them to apply best judgement and outcome in future operation.

He said the management of both mental and physical health of civilians would surely improve knowing that the  status as a naval personnel is without the full immunity that the ignorant may assume.