The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting professional, accountable, and people-centered military operations with the commencement of its Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for Strategic-Level Officers in Abuja.
The seminar, which brought together senior military officers, experts, representatives of government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, focused on enhancing the military’s capacity to protect civilians while maintaining operational effectiveness in ongoing security operations across the country.
Speaking at the opening of the seminar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, emphasized that modern military success must be measured not only by battlefield achievements but also by the extent to which civilian lives and property are safeguarded.
Aneke described the seminar as timely and necessary, noting that contemporary security challenges are increasingly complex and require continuous adaptation by military institutions.
“The future does not belong to the strongest or even the most intelligent, but to those who are able to adapt to change,” the Air Chief said. “Our ability to understand and respond to these complexities will determine not only our operational success but also our institutional credibility and long-term effectiveness.”
He stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to carrying out its constitutional responsibilities in a manner that protects civilians and preserves public trust.
According to him, incidents arising from military operations, whether verified or alleged, have highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional understanding and implementation of civilian harm mitigation and response principles.
He noted that issues relating to civilian casualties, transparency, accountability, and operational assessments have significant implications for public confidence and the legitimacy of military operations.
“As an institution, we recognize that maintaining the confidence of the civilian population is essential to achieving lasting security outcomes,” he said.
The CAS disclosed that the Air Force has already taken deliberate measures to institutionalize civilian harm mitigation and response mechanisms at the tactical and operational levels. However, he emphasized the need to strengthen understanding of these principles at the strategic level, where critical decisions and policy directions are formulated.
“It is in view of this that I directed the Civil-Military Relations Branch to organize this seminar for senior officers, with the aim of consolidating our knowledge and aligning our actions with global best practices,” he stated.
Aneke underscored that civilian harm mitigation should not be viewed as an obstacle to military operations but as a strategic enabler that enhances precision, improves decision-making, and contributes to mission success.
He further urged military leaders to strengthen processes relating to operational planning, target verification, operational assessment, and post-action reviews, while ensuring accountability and professionalism whenever lapses occur.
The Air Chief expressed confidence that the seminar would generate valuable insights capable of improving operational conduct and reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to civilian protection.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative and the first of its kind in the history of the Nigerian Air Force.
Gabkwet said the event reflects the service’s deliberate commitment to evolving in line with contemporary operational realities and international best practices.
He noted that civilian harm mitigation has become increasingly important in modern warfare, particularly in asymmetric conflict environments where adversaries often exploit civilian populations and infrastructure.
“Modern military operations demand a careful balance between mission accomplishment and humanitarian considerations,” he said.
According to him, Nigerian Air Force personnel operating in various theatres continue to confront threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, kidnapping, crude oil theft, and other criminal activities that threaten national security.
Despite these challenges, he stressed that operational success must be defined not only by tactical victories but also by the ability to conduct missions with precision, discipline, restraint, and due regard for civilian safety and dignity.
Gabkwet highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Air Force to institutionalize civilian harm mitigation and response, including the establishment of relevant departments and doctrinal frameworks designed to integrate civilian protection considerations into operational planning and execution.
He explained that the seminar was specifically designed to deepen understanding among senior leaders and provide practical tools for informed decision-making at the strategic level.
“The core objective of this seminar is clear: to enhance civilian harm mitigation and response capabilities, deepen institutional awareness, and empower senior leadership with practical frameworks for balanced, objective, and timely decisions in air operations,” he said.
He added that civilian harm mitigation is not an impediment to military effectiveness but rather a strategic tool that strengthens operational outcomes and public confidence.
Gabkwet also commended the Chief of the Air Staff for supporting the initiative and acknowledged the contributions of distinguished resource persons and partner organizations participating in the seminar.
Among the experts present were Dr. Larry Lewis of the Center for Naval Analyses, United States, Dr. Lewis Njoku of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, alongside representatives of other partner institutions.
Both Air Marshal Aneke and Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet urged participants to engage actively throughout the seminar, emphasizing that the knowledge gained should translate into practical measures that enhance operational effectiveness while strengthening accountability and the protection of civilians.
The seminar is expected to produce recommendations aimed at improving civilian harm mitigation frameworks within the Nigerian Air Force and reinforcing its commitment to professionalism, operational excellence, and adherence to international best practices in military operations.
@Spye News, spyetv.com.ng
