Civilian Protection Becomes a Priority in Air Operations – CAS

Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), announced that protecting civilians has become a key priority in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) missions.

He made the statement on Tuesday in Abuja during a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic‑level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.

Aneke called for better target verification and stricter operational discipline in complex security settings.

He explained that modern warfare demands a new mindset, noting that success is now measured not only by battlefield outcomes but also by the safeguarding of civilian lives.

“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.

The CAS urged personnel to strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post‑operation assessments to minimise avoidable civilian harm.

He added that mitigating civilian harm is not a constraint on operational effectiveness; rather, it is a strategic enabler that enhances precision, accountability, and decision‑making.

According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.

Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic‑level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and to equip senior officers with practical tools for decision‑making in rapidly changing operational contexts.

He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.

Earlier, AVM Edward Gabkwet, Chief of Civil‑Military Relations, NAF, said the seminar marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations.

Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind at the strategic level in the NAF, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.

He noted that contemporary security operations are increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimise harm.

According to him, effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary, and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation.

“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 evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimising civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness. (NAN)

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