Civilian Protection Now Central to Air Operations, Says Air Chief
NAF prioritising intelligence accuracy, operational discipline, and accountability to minimise civilian harm during military missions.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has declared that civilian protection is now a core element of Nigerian Air Force operations. He emphasized that modern military success is measured not only by battlefield victories but also by safeguarding civilian lives and maintaining public trust.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilians during military operations, describing civilian safety as a central pillar of modern warfare.
Aneke made the declaration on Tuesday in Abuja during a strategic-level seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response organized by the Nigerian Air Force’s Civil-Military Relations Branch.
Speaking before senior military officers and security stakeholders, the Air Chief stressed that the changing nature of contemporary security threats requires greater precision, accountability, and operational discipline.
According to him, success in today’s military environment can no longer be measured solely by combat achievements but must also reflect efforts to safeguard civilian lives.
“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.
The Air Chief called for stronger intelligence validation, improved target verification procedures, and more rigorous operational planning to reduce the risk of unintended civilian casualties.
He noted that civilian harm mitigation should not be viewed as a restriction on military effectiveness but rather as a strategic tool that enhances precision, decision-making, and mission success.
Aneke further warned that incidents resulting from military operations—whether verified or alleged—can significantly impact public confidence in the armed forces and affect institutional credibility.
He explained that the seminar was designed to equip senior officers with practical knowledge and decision-making tools necessary for managing complex operational environments while minimizing risks to civilians.
The CAS also urged military personnel to embrace professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning as essential components of effective service delivery.
NAF Strengthens Commitment to Accountability
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing professionalism, accountability, and civilian protection within the Nigerian Air Force.
Gabkwet noted that the event represents the first strategic-level engagement of its kind within the NAF focused specifically on civilian harm mitigation and response.
He highlighted the growing complexity of modern security operations, where military personnel often conduct missions in areas populated by civilians, making deliberate harm-reduction measures increasingly necessary.
According to him, effective civilian protection requires collaboration among military institutions, paramilitary agencies, government bodies, and civilian stakeholders.
“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” Gabkwet said.
He added that the initiative demonstrates the Air Force’s determination to align its operational practices with evolving global standards and best practices.
The seminar brought together senior military commanders, security experts, policymakers, and subject matter specialists to explore strategies for reducing civilian harm while maintaining operational effectiveness in ongoing security operations across the country.
