By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its commitment to conducting professional, accountable and people centred air operations, stressing that the protection of civilians remains a critical component of mission success.
This commitment was underscored during the maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for strategic-level officers, held on June 2, 2026, at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja.
The seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society representatives, journalists and subject-matter experts to strengthen institutional understanding of civilian protection considerations in modern military operations.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the NAF's drive to enhance professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness.
According to him, the changing security landscape requires military leaders to carefully balance mission accomplishment with the protection of civilian lives and property, noting that strategic-level officers play a crucial role in shaping operational decisions, institutional responses and public perception.
Aneke stated that the NAF remains committed to institutionalising Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of its operations in line with global best practices.
He emphasised that public trust and confidence are essential to achieving sustainable operational success, adding that civilian protection measures should not be viewed as limitations to military effectiveness.
“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.
The Air Chief further noted that integrating civilian protection considerations into military planning and execution promotes accountability, operational discipline and informed decision-making, thereby enhancing mission effectiveness.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and civilian protection within military operations.
Gabkwet observed that contemporary military operations require a delicate balance between achieving operational objectives and addressing humanitarian concerns, particularly in complex environments where civilian populations are present.
He stressed that operational success should not be measured solely by tactical gains but also by the ability of military forces to conduct operations with precision, discipline, restraint and due regard for the safety and wellbeing of civilians.
According to him, the NAF has deliberately intensified efforts to strengthen Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response through doctrine development, training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
He disclosed that 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 leaders with practical tools for balanced and timely decision-making.
Gabkwet also highlighted the importance of collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders in reducing civilian harm, noting that the broad participation at the seminar reflected the shared responsibility of all actors involved in security operations.
The event featured presentations and panel discussions led by experts in civilian protection, human rights and military operations. Participants examined global 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 outcomes of the seminar would further strengthen the NAF's commitment to professionalism, accountability and operational excellence, while reinforcing its resolve to protect civilians and uphold the highest standards in the conduct of air operations.
