NAF Earns Global Praise For Civilian Protection Reforms
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has won international recognition for its bold steps in reducing harm to civilians during military operations, earning praise at a high-level United Nations conference in Tunisia.
At the recently held UN and Tunisian Defence Forces sponsored Conference on Protection of Civilians, the NAF was lauded for spearheading the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP).
Military and humanitarian leaders from across Africa and beyond described Nigeria’s approach as a model for modern air forces.
Participants applauded the NAF’s integration of leadership oversight, data-driven operations, and targeted training to prevent incidents of civilian harm particularly in conflict zones where the risks of target misidentification are high.
Delegates also noted the Air Force’s strategic communications plan as a smart step towards transparency and accountability.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to upholding both military efficiency and humanitarian values. “Protecting civilians is not only a moral imperative but a constitutional responsibility,” he said.
Air Marshal Abubakar, in remarks shared at the event, emphasised that operational success must never come at the cost of innocent lives.
“We are committed to ensuring that our air operations reflect both precision and compassion,” he stated, highlighting the urgency that has driven the rapid implementation of the CHMR-AP.
Since the plan’s rollout, the NAF has launched a Civilian Harm Assessment Cell, created a CHMR Board for oversight, and embedded civilian protection training into its Air Warfare Centre.
The conference brought together over 100 key figures, including the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and senior defence officials from Ghana and Senegal.
It marked a milestone in pan-African efforts to prioritise civilian safety in military operations.
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