The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians while maintaining sustained operational pressure on terrorist networks across the country.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), made the declaration on Monday, 9 March 2026, during the inauguration of the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) Course 1/2026 at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Air Marshal Aneke noted that ongoing joint military operations have significantly constrained terrorist activities, forcing insurgents to adopt increasingly desperate tactics. “The NAF, in close coordination with other security agencies, maintains persistent surveillance, rapid response capability, and strong interagency collaboration to ensure that hostile elements remain under sustained pressure,” he said.
Represented at the ceremony by the Director of Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal A. Bamidele, the CAS emphasised that safeguarding civilian lives during air operations is not a limitation but a force multiplier that enhances operational legitimacy and success. Civilian Harm Mitigation, he added, is a critical aspect of modern air operations, reinforcing the NAF’s reputation as a professional and responsible force.
The Basic CHM Course is designed to equip participants with the skills and judgement required to integrate civilian protection considerations into operational planning, targeting, intelligence processes, and mission execution. It covers International Humanitarian Law, Rules of Engagement, and measures to prevent or minimise civilian harm. “The knowledge you acquire here must guide your decisions in planning rooms, command centres, and operational theatres,” Air Marshal Aneke instructed.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gapkwet, Chief of Civil-Military Relations, highlighted that success in today’s operational environment extends beyond tactical outcomes to include civilian protection, perception management, and institutionalising lessons learned. The Commandant of AWDC, Air Vice Marshal G.I. Jibia, also noted the Centre’s expanded mandate to provide Air-Ground Integration and CHM training for the Nigerian Armed Forces in line with international best practices.
The course hosts 26 participants, including air component commanders, operational pilots, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle operators, legal advisers, and Civil-Military Relations officers, all aimed at strengthening professional judgement and operational decision-making in environments where civilians and combatants often coexist.
