The Nigerian Air Force has stated that military force alone is insufficient to achieve lasting peace in the country, emphasizing that diplomacy and strategic partnerships are essential in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, made this position known in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by Air Commodore E. P. Bindul at the first anniversary and General Assembly of the International Society of Diplomats, Nigeria, held in Abuja on Saturday.
He stressed that diplomacy remains a critical instrument of national power that must complement kinetic military operations, particularly amid evolving security threats in Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region. According to him, closer collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and diplomatic institutions would enhance global understanding of Nigeria’s security environment and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
Aneke noted that military capabilities alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace, adding that diplomacy, leadership engagement, and strategic partnerships are vital components in tackling insecurity. He said synergy between the Air Force and the International Society of Diplomats presents an opportunity to jointly promote peace, regional stability, and global security.
He further explained that partnerships with diplomatic bodies could support humanitarian interventions, conflict prevention, and containment initiatives, while contributing to long-term peace and development. The Air Force, he added, remains committed to sustained collaboration with diplomatic stakeholders in advancing national and regional security objectives.
Earlier, the Country Director and Head of Mission of the International Society of Diplomats, Nigeria, Edet Ekpeyong, said the organisation marked its anniversary to renew public awareness on the importance of peace, particularly in the face of rising insecurity across the country.
Ekpeyong emphasized that diplomacy cannot thrive without peace, noting that peace is directly linked to progress and social development. He disclosed that the society is adopting empowerment and capacity-building initiatives as part of its strategy to address insecurity, especially by reducing youth vulnerability to criminal activities.
He added that the organisation is also providing training platforms to expose young Nigerians to diplomacy and international engagement, describing such efforts as pathways to international careers and meaningful contributions to sustainable peace.
Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and transnational crimes. While security forces have intensified operations nationwide, stakeholders have consistently argued that sustainable peace requires a combination of military, diplomatic, political, and socio-economic measures.
Post comments (0)