Nigerian Air Force Holds Maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation, Reaffirms Commitment to Civilian Protection
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting professional, responsible and people-centred air operations with the maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers.
ALSO READ: Operation Whirl Stroke Troops Neutralise Four Criminals, Rescue Kidnap Victims in Benue, Taraba
The landmark seminar, held on June 2, 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 strengthen institutional understanding of civilian protection in contemporary military operations.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the NAF’s efforts to enhance professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the evolving security environment requires military leaders to balance mission accomplishment with the protection of civilian lives and property, emphasizing that strategic-level officers play a critical role in shaping operational decisions and institutional responses.
He stated that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to institutionalising Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of its operations in line with global best practices.
According to the Chief of the Air Staff, maintaining public trust and confidence is essential to achieving long-term 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,” he said.
He added that civilian protection considerations strengthen mission effectiveness by promoting accountability, discipline and informed decision-making.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative aimed at deepening professionalism, accountability and civilian protection within military operations.
He observed that modern military operations require a careful balance between achieving operational objectives and safeguarding civilian populations, particularly in complex security environments.
“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,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet highlighted the NAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response through doctrine development, training and capacity-building programmes.
He noted that the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to equip senior leaders with practical tools for objective, balanced and timely decision-making during military operations.
The seminar featured presentations and discussions by experts in civilian protection, human rights and military operations, providing participants with opportunities to exchange ideas on best practices, lessons learned and practical approaches to minimising civilian harm while maintaining operational effectiveness.
The Nigerian Air Force expressed confidence that the outcomes of the seminar would further strengthen its commitment to professionalism, operational excellence and accountability while reinforcing efforts to protect civilians and uphold the highest standards in the conduct of air operations.
The statement was issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
Nigerian Air Force Holds Maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation, Reaffirms Commitment to Civilian Protection