By Gabriel Ameh
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has said that the protection of civilians is now a major consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja during a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response organised by the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch, the CAS stressed the need for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.
Air Marshal Aneke said modern warfare requires a new approach where operational success is measured not only by battlefield victories but also by the ability to protect innocent lives.
“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.
He explained that NAF personnel must strengthen intelligence gathering, operational planning, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian casualties.
According to him, civilian harm mitigation should not be seen as a limitation to military effectiveness but as a strategic tool that improves precision, accountability, and operational decision-making.
The CAS noted that incidents arising from military operations, whether confirmed or alleged, could affect public trust and the credibility of security institutions.
He added that the seminar was organised to deepen the understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles among senior officers and equip them with practical decision-making tools in rapidly changing operational situations.
Air Marshal Aneke also urged participants to embrace professionalism, accountability, and continuous learning in the face of evolving security challenges.
Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a major step toward strengthening professionalism, accountability, and civilian protection in air and joint military operations.
Gabkwet said the seminar was the first of its kind at the strategic level within the Nigerian Air Force and was aimed at improving institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.
He noted that modern security operations are increasingly complex, with civilians often present in conflict environments, making deliberate measures necessary to minimise harm.
According to him, effective civilian protection requires collaboration among military, paramilitary, and civilian stakeholders.
“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflects the NAF’s commitment to aligning its operations with modern realities and global best practices.
The seminar attracted senior military officers, security stakeholders, and experts who discussed strategies for reducing civilian harm while improving operational effectiveness.
