…Air Marshal Aneke Says Civilian Protection Enhances Mission Success, Strategic Legitimacy
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to professional, responsible and people-centred military operations with the convening of its maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers.
The landmark seminar, held on 2 June 2026 at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, 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 modern military operations.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a major milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing drive to strengthen professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness.
According to the CAS, the evolving security environment requires military leaders to strike a balance between mission accomplishment and the protection of civilian lives and property, particularly as strategic-level officers play critical roles in shaping operational decisions, institutional responses and public narratives.
Air Marshal Aneke stressed that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to institutionalising Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of operations in line with global best practices.
He emphasised that public trust and confidence remain essential to achieving sustainable operational success.
“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,” the CAS stated.
He further noted that civilian protection considerations enhance mission effectiveness by promoting informed decision-making, accountability and operational discipline.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative in the Nigerian Air Force’s efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and civilian protection in military operations.
According to him, modern military operations require a careful balance between mission objectives and humanitarian considerations, especially in complex operational theatres where civilian populations are often 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,” Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet stated.
He further highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s deliberate efforts to strengthen Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response through doctrine development, training and capacity-building initiatives.
The CCMR disclosed that the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to deepen strategic-level understanding of CHMR principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for balanced, objective and timely decision-making.
He added that effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, describing the broad participation at the seminar as timely and essential.
The seminar featured presentations and panel discussions by experts in civilian protection, human rights and military operations, providing participants with a platform to exchange ideas on best practices, operational lessons and practical approaches to minimising civilian harm while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed confidence that the outcomes of the seminar would further strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, operational excellence and accountability, while reinforcing its determination to protect civilians and uphold the highest standards in the conduct of air operations.
NAF Unveils Civilian Harm Mitigation Framework to Boost Precision, Accountability in Air Operations
