NAF Adopts Civilian Harm Mitigation Strategy To Boost Precision, Accountability In Operations
As modern military operations increasingly come under public scrutiny, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilian lives while pursuing national security objectives through a new civilian harm mitigation framework.
The commitment was underscored during the NAF’s maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers, held on 2 June 2026 at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a major step towards strengthening professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness across the force.
He stressed that contemporary security challenges require military leaders to balance mission success with the protection of civilians and property.
According to the Air Chief, civilian harm mitigation is not a limitation on military operations but a framework that enhances precision, improves decision-making and strengthens public trust.
“Maintaining public confidence is essential to achieving lasting operational success,” he said, noting that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to institutionalising civilian harm mitigation and response across all levels of its operations in line with global best practices.
In his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said operational success should not be measured solely by tactical achievements but also by the ability to conduct missions with discipline, restraint and respect for civilian populations.
He disclosed that the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to deepen strategic understanding of civilian protection principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for making balanced and informed decisions during operations.
The seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society groups, journalists and specialists in civilian protection and human rights.
Discussions focused on best practices, operational lessons and strategies for reducing civilian harm while maintaining military effectiveness.
The Nigerian Air Force expressed confidence that the outcomes of the seminar would further strengthen professionalism, accountability and operational excellence while reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding civilians during air operations.
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