By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media Report
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has emphasised that strengthening relationships with civilian populations is now a decisive factor in achieving success in modern warfare.
Speaking at the 2026 Nigerian Air Force Civil–Military Relations Conference held on March 24, the Air Chief noted that the evolving security landscape requires more than just military firepower, stressing that operational success increasingly depends on trust-building, cooperation, and the integration of human-centred strategies into air operations.
Addressing the conference themed “Leveraging Civil-Military Relations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency,” Aneke stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is deliberately repositioning civil military relations as a core operational enabler. According to him, this is being achieved through enhanced community engagement, improved feedback systems, and strengthened strategic communication across operational theatres.
He explained that the approach aligns with his command philosophy of building a professional, agile, and people-centred Air Force driven by precision, accountability, and strategic effectiveness.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, the Air Chief referenced the approval of compensation for victims of an accidental airstrike in Sokoto, alongside the execution of Special Intervention Projects across Kwara, Rivers, Delta, Kano, and Akwa Ibom States.
These initiatives, which include medical outreaches and infrastructure support, are aimed at strengthening public trust and fostering cooperation.
Aneke also underscored the importance of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the balance between kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, particularly in areas such as strategic communication and community engagement.
He urged participants to generate practical recommendations that would deepen partnerships with civil institutions, promote innovation, and enhance operational efficiency.
The Air Chief further expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the administration’s backing has provided the resources and strategic direction needed for effective service delivery.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, highlighted the growing role of non-kinetic operations in modern warfare. He noted that the establishment of the Civil–Military Relations Branch in July 2024 was part of deliberate efforts to strengthen community engagement, ensure human rights compliance, and improve perception management.
Gabkwet added that key initiatives already implemented include the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, the creation of a Civilian Harm Mitigation Department at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, and the introduction of a digital complaints platform to enhance transparency and accountability.
The one-day conference attracted Civilian Harm Mitigation Desk Officers from NAF commands nationwide, alongside stakeholders from academia, the military, and the media.
Highlights of the event included presentations by Okey Ikechukwu and retired Air Vice Marshal JD Gwani, who delivered papers on civil–military relations, perception management, and strategies for improving operational efficiency.
