NAF: Civilian Safety Key to Operational Effectiveness — CAS
NAF: Civilian Safety Key to Operational Effectiveness — CAS
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said that protecting civilians is central to effective air operations, stressing that accountability and precision in targeting ultimately strengthen mission success.
Aneke stated this during the Nigerian Air Force’s maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers held on Tuesday at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.
The seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society representatives, journalists and subject-matter experts to deepen institutional understanding of civilian protection considerations in contemporary military operations.
Declaring the seminar open, the CAS described the initiative as a major milestone in the Air Force’s efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and mission effectiveness amid evolving security threats.
He noted that military leaders must strike a balance between achieving operational objectives and safeguarding civilian lives and property, especially in complex theatres of operation where non-combatants are often vulnerable.
According to Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to institutionalising Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of operations in line with global best practices.
“Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response is not a constraint on our operational effectiveness; rather, it is a framework that enhances precision, improves decision-making and ultimately preserves strategic legitimacy,” he said.
He added that maintaining public trust and confidence remains essential to achieving lasting operational success, stressing that civilian protection considerations improve mission outcomes through accountability, operational discipline and informed decision-making.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and civilian protection in military operations.
Gabkwet said modern military operations require a careful balance between mission accomplishment and humanitarian considerations, particularly in environments where civilian populations are present.
“Operational success is not defined solely by tactical achievements, but by the ability to conduct operations with precision, discipline, restraint and utmost regard for the safety, dignity and wellbeing of civilian populations within areas of operation,” he said.
He disclosed that the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to enhance strategic-level understanding of CHMR principles and equip senior military leaders with practical tools for objective and timely decision-making.
The Air Force also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen civilian harm mitigation through doctrine development, training and capacity-building programmes, noting that collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders remains critical to improving operational outcomes.
The seminar featured presentations and panel discussions by experts in civilian protection, human rights and military operations, focusing on practical approaches to minimising civilian harm while sustaining operational effectiveness.
The Nigerian Air Force expressed confidence that the engagement would further reinforce professionalism, accountability and public confidence in its operations across the country.