Odita Sunday 
CAS Reaffirms NAF Commitment To Civilian Protection In Military Operations
By Odita Sunday
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians during military operations.
Speaking at the opening of the Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for Strategic-Level Officers in Abuja, the CAS said operational success in contemporary warfare could no longer be measured solely by tactical achievements, but also by the extent to which civilian lives and property are safeguarded.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that the evolving global security environment requires continuous adaptation by military institutions in order to remain effective and relevant.
“This seminar is therefore both timely and necessary. While the threats we confront may sometimes appear straightforward, they are in reality complex and dynamic,” he said.
According to him, incidents arising from military operations, whether verified or alleged, have further highlighted the need for stronger institutional understanding and implementation of civilian harm mitigation and response principles.
He stressed that issues surrounding civilian protection directly impact transparency, accountability, public trust, and the legitimacy of military operations.
“As an institution, we recognize that maintaining the confidence of the civilian population is essential to achieving lasting security outcomes,” he stated.
The CAS disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force had continued to institutionalise civilian harm mitigation and response mechanisms, especially at the tactical and operational levels, while efforts were now being intensified at the strategic level.
He explained that the seminar was organised to equip senior officers with the necessary tools for balanced, objective, and timely decision-making in operational environments.
“The objective is clear: to equip our leadership with the necessary tools for balanced, objective, and timely decision-making, while ensuring that operational effectiveness is not compromised,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke further emphasized that civilian harm mitigation and response should not be viewed as an operational constraint but as a strategic enabler capable of improving precision and mission effectiveness.
He also called for stronger planning processes, target verification mechanisms, operational assessments, and post-action reviews within military operations.
“Where lapses occur, we must address them with professionalism, honesty, and a commitment to accountability,” he added.
The CAS expressed appreciation to resource persons and partner organisations, including Dr. Larry Lewis of the Center for Naval Analyses, United States of America, the National Human Rights Commission, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
He urged participants to engage actively and ensure that lessons from the seminar are translated into practical operational measures that strengthen civilian protection frameworks.
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