In a nation where the mere sight of military personnel has long been synonymous with fear and destruction, the Nigerian Armed Forces are on a mission to rewrite their narrative. For decades, communities across Nigeria have viewed soldiers with suspicion, associating them with chaos, war, and violence. However, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, the military is undertaking an unprecedented shift in strategy—combining kinetic military operations with non-kinetic efforts aimed at rebuilding trust with civilians and fostering peace in some of the country’s most volatile regions.
On a recent security tour of the South East, organised by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Africa Health Report, AHR correspondent Gom Mirian witnessed first-hand the positive transformation taking place. Smiles that had once been rare in this region were now commonplace, as communities, young and old, experienced the benefits of a military that was not only about guns and tactics but also about healing and hope. From medical outreach programs to economic revitalisation initiatives, the military’s new approach is slowly but surely changing the hearts of people who once dreaded their presence.
This shift is nowhere more evident than in the south-eastern regions of Nigeria, where years of insurgency and internal conflicts have taken a severe toll. It is in these areas, once hostile to the presence of soldiers, that the military is gradually winning the hearts and minds of the people—one act of kindness at a time.
The Smile of an 85-Year-Old: A Symbol of Hope
In Oguta, a quiet community nestled in Imo State, 85-year-old Baba Matthew Uba was grinning ear to ear and stood surrounded by his fellow villagers. A wide smile stretched across his weathered face as he marvelled at the unexpected kindness of the military. For Baba Uba, this smile wasn’t just the result of a routine medical check-up—it was the culmination of a long-deserved sense of hope.
“I can’t stop smiling today,” Baba Uba told AHR, his eyes twinkling with gratitude. “For the first time in my life, I am being told that my sugar levels are normal. I have always feared being diabetic, as many in my age group suffer from it. But I never had the means to test or go to the hospital. Today, I’m very happy that Nigeria has remembered us. For years, we have not seen a military man come to the Eziorsu community to greet us, but now they are our friends, and we are very happy as they come to treat us.”
This simple yet significant moment took place during a free medical outreach organised by the Naval Base Oguta, part of the Maritime Component of the Joint Task Force South East’s Operation Udo Ka. The initiative, designed to give back to the host communities, has become a symbol of the military’s renewed commitment to service beyond warfare. For Baba Uba, who had lived in rural isolation for much of his life, this medical outreach was a much-needed lifeline.
“It’s unbelievable,” Baba Uba continued, his voice thick with emotion. “We’ve lived in fear of the military for so long. We used to think that soldiers only came to destroy. But now, they are here to heal. They are our friends.”
A Young Girl’s Joy: The Gift of Sanitary Pads
Nearby, another story of transformation unfolded. For the first time in her life, 17-year-old Chidima, a high school student from Eziorsu Community Secondary School, received a simple but life-changing gift—a packet of sanitary pads.
For Chidima, who started menstruating at age 14 and had spent years using pieces of cloth during her menstrual cycle, a practice that her mother, like many women in the community, had passed down due to the high cost of sanitary products, this gesture was more than just a donation; it was a step toward dignity.
“This is the first time I will use a sanitary pad,” Chidima said, beaming with joy while holding the packet. “I’ve been using pieces of cloth like my mother does because sanitary pads are so expensive. They don’t last long, and so few are in a pack. so, I am so thankful to my school uncle who told me about this medical outreach.”
Chidima’s story is far from unique. According to UNICEF, nearly 60% of girls in Nigeria lack access to menstrual hygiene products, pushing many to rely on unsanitary and unsafe alternatives. Additionally, a 2024 report by Fòs Feminista, a global intersectional feminist NGO, highlights that 27 million women and girls in Nigeria can not afford or access basic menstrual products. The military’s provision of these basic needs serves as a reminder that their mission goes beyond security—it’s about fostering an environment where children, especially young girls, can live with dignity.
An Elder’s Reflection: A Changed Perspective on Military Presence
As our correspondent prepared to leave the Eziorsu community, a 74-year-old man named Ogene Eugene ran up to her, a sense of urgency in his eyes. In the pigeon English, he pulled her aside, eager to share his thoughts on the profound transformation he had witnessed over the years in his community.
“Forty, fifty years ago, when you saw a military man, you would want to cry,” Eugene said, his voice filled with nostalgia and emotion. “You would know that trouble was coming. But now, these soldiers, they are not like that. They are more friendly than the police and approachable; we know they are here to help. When we see them now, we feel relieved, not scared.”
Eugene’s words reflect a larger shift in public perception. The fear that once accompanied the sight of a soldier has been replaced by a sense of security and trust, nurtured by the military’s focus on community engagement and their more human-centric approach to security. This shift is not only transforming the way civilians view the military but also how they interact with them—moving from suspicion to cooperation.
The Transformation in Ebonyi State
Travelling further east to Ebonyi State, which has had its struggles with insurgency and unrest, a similar narrative unfolds. In Ikwo Local Government Area, a region once gripped by violence and the notorious sit-at-home orders imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), life is slowly returning to normal.
“We couldn’t even go to the market on Mondays because of the IPOB orders,” said Madam Chidoze, a trader from the area. “But now, we can go to the market from Monday to Saturday, thanks to the military. The threats and taxes that the IPOB used to impose on us have stopped. We can sleep with both eyes closed.”
In addition to quelling separatist threats, the military has played a key role in reducing long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders, another major source of violence in the region.
“The presence of the military has brought peace to our community,” said His Royal Majesty Eze Sir Dominic Aloh, Erimogwudu III of Amegu Ikwo, Ikwo LGA. “Before, we used to fear for our lives, but now, if there’s a problem, we call the soldiers, and within minutes, they arrive. There is no more fighting between herders and farmers. There is no more fear.”
Reflecting on the security situation during his 35 years on the throne, as the oldest reigning monarch and a retired army officer, he shared that the establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) has significantly enhanced the safety of the community.
“The military is doing an excellent job. In fact, within five minutes of making a call, they usually arrive. As we say locally, ‘the presence of a native doctor drives away the devil,’ and whenever you see a soldier or army officer around, the hoodlums tend to disappear. They are always vigilant and present. We work closely with them and the police to ensure security.”
Overcoming Challenges in Abia State
While the military’s efforts are gaining traction in regions like Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi, the road to peace is not without its challenges. In Abia State, where the IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) continue to exert significant influence, civilian-military cooperation has remained difficult.
Lieutenant Colonel Adeniyi Adebayo, the commanding officer in charge of FOB Isuochi military operations in Abia State, expressed frustration with the ongoing reluctance among locals to share vital intelligence.
“The biggest challenge we face here is that most people are too afraid to cooperate with us,” Adebayo said. “There are many communities where IPOB/ESN has a stronghold, and the people are under oath. Even though we are here to protect them, they still fear for their lives if they speak out.”
In addition to this, the region’s rugged terrain—thick forests and inaccessible roads—has slowed down the military’s response time, hampering the effectiveness of operations.
A former council chairman of Ikwo LGA, Daniel Ogiji raised the need for better resources to navigate the challenging landscape. “When it rains, some areas are practically impossible to reach with the current vehicles,” Ogiji said. “We call on the Chief of Defence Staff and the government to assist them with rugged vehicles to navigate the difficult terrain.”
The Role of Non-Kinetic Operations
The military’s efforts to rebuild trust are not limited to kinetic operations alone.
In an interview with journalists during an operational visit to the theatre of operations in Enugu State, the GOC/Force Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation Udo Ka, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada, stressed the importance of non-kinetic operations in achieving lasting peace.
“Our non-kinetic operations are equally as critical as the kinetic ones,” General Dada explained. “These initiatives help us rebuild trust and foster peace within the communities we serve.”
The military has been particularly vigilant in rooting out corruption within its ranks, taking decisive action against soldiers found extorting civilians at checkpoints. Between January and November 2024, over 300 soldiers and 370 civilians were arrested for such offences, highlighting the military’s commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability.
He lamented the challenges posed by propagandists deployed by criminal elements in the region, who extensively distribute propaganda content to counter the narratives of the military. “The sit-at-home order often issued by the BRGIE and enforced by the ESN is one of grave concern,” he noted. “However, troops have been tenacious in ensuring that these sit-at-home orders are often thwarted to ensure economic activities thrive in the SE region.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As the tour ended, Mirian reflected on the changes she had witnessed. What was once a region plagued by fear and distrust was slowly transforming into one of hope and collaboration. The smiles of the elderly, the joy of young girls like Chidima, and the words of Baba Uba all pointed to a new reality—one where the military is not a force of destruction but a force of good, helping to heal the wounds of the past and build a brighter future for all.
The journey toward lasting peace in Nigeria is still in its early stages, but the transformation underway is undeniable. Through a combination of military force and humanitarian efforts, General Musa’s leadership is guiding the Nigerian military toward a future where trust and security go hand in hand.
For individuals like Baba Uba, Chidima, Eugene, and many others, the military’s efforts represent more than just a fight for territorial control—they are a beacon of hope in a country long plagued by insecurity. While the road to true peace is long and filled with challenges, the Nigerian military is steadily building the foundations for a more peaceful and united nation, one act of kindness at a time.
As Eugene aptly put it, “The soldiers are here now, and we are no longer afraid. We know they are here to protect us.”
In a country where fear once ruled, these words stand as a testament to the power of compassion and a reminder that, sometimes, peace is not just won on the battlefield but through acts of humanity that heal both the land and its people.
