Nigerian Army has organised a one day sensitisation workshop on gender-based violence and abuse for officers and soldiers prosecuting the counter insurgency operation in the North East.
The workshop is aimed at enhancing troops understanding on issues of sexual exploitation and abuse in the conduct of their operation.
Declaring the event open, General Officer Commanding GOC Seven Division Nigerian Army Major General Waidi Shaibu said the Army is involved in several internal security operations across the country, hence the need to sensitize them on sexual and gender-based violence.
Represented by Chief of Staff of the Division Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai, General Shaibu explained that in an effort to address gender related issues in the military, the Nigerian Army has developed a policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse to address the menace in conflict areas.
“The adoption of this policy by the military will enable it effectively compete favourably with its counterparts across the globe. It will also facilitate strategic collaboration and gender sensitive approach by the various security agencies given the multidimensional conflict and security challenges confronting the country ” General Shaibu said.
Major General Waidi Shaibu warned officers and soldiers in the theatre against exploitation of vulnerable people, noting that punitive measures await perpetrators of the act.
Deputy Director Civil Sponsorship Desk Nigerian Army headquarters, Colonel Peter Elayo said the workshop is being organised in Army formations across the country to reduce the rate of violence by military personnel.
He charged commanders to factor into their operation issues of gender-based violence and sexual abuse.
The workshop which has as its theme, Gender Mainstreaming for Enhanced Professionalism has participants drawn from the military and other law enforcement agencies as well as international non governmental organisations.
Dauda Iliya
