Abuja: Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has emphasized that civilian protection is now a central consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations. Speaking at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organized by the Civil Military Relations Branch, Aneke highlighted the need for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aneke stressed that modern warfare requires a shift in mindset, noting that success in operations is no longer defined solely by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives. “The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he stated. Aneke urged personnel to strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm. He added that mitigating civilian harm is not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that enhances precision, accountability, and decision-making.
He remarked that incidents arising from military operations, whether confirmed or alleged, have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy. Aneke mentioned that the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts. He encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, acknowledging that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, underscored the seminar as a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations. Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind at the strategic level within the NAF, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response. He observed that contemporary security operations are increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimize harm.
Gabkwet emphasized that effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary, and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation. “This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning, and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said. He further added that the initiative reflects the NAF’s commitment to evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders, and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimizing civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness.