Odita Sunday 
NAF Strengthens Operational Accountability, Unveils Strategic Civilian Harm Mitigation Drive
By Odita Sunday
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting professional, responsible and people-centred air operations with the convening of its maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers.
The landmark seminar, held on Monday at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society representatives, journalists and subject-matter experts to deepen institutional understanding of civilian protection considerations in modern military operations.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a major milestone in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness.
According to the Air Chief, the evolving security environment requires military leaders to strike a balance between mission accomplishment and the protection of civilian lives and property.
He stressed that strategic-level officers play critical roles in shaping operational decisions, institutional responses and public perception.
Aneke said the NAF remained committed to institutionalising Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of operations in line with global best practices.
According to him, sustaining public trust and confidence is vital 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,” the CAS stated.
He further explained that civilian protection considerations strengthen mission effectiveness by promoting informed decision-making, accountability and operational discipline.
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 in military operations.
Gabkwet noted that contemporary military operations require a careful balance between tactical objectives and humanitarian considerations, especially in complex operational environments where civilians are often present.
“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 within areas of operation,” he said.
The Air Vice Marshal also highlighted ongoing efforts by the NAF to strengthen Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response through doctrine development, training and capacity-building initiatives.
According to him, the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to improve strategic-level understanding of CHMR principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for balanced, objective and timely decision-making.
He added that effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, making the broad participation at the seminar timely and necessary.
The seminar featured presentations and discussions by experts in civilian protection, human rights and military operations, providing participants with a platform to exchange ideas on best practices, operational lessons and practical approaches to minimising civilian harm while maintaining operational effectiveness.
The Chief of the Air Staff expressed confidence that the outcome of the seminar would further strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, operational excellence and accountability while reinforcing its resolve to protect civilians and uphold the highest standards in the conduct of air operations.
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