By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its civil–military cooperation efforts through a new round of high-level strategic engagements with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP). The engagements align with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to advance intelligence-led, accountable and smart operational practices across all NAF theatres.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, led the visits as part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability mechanisms, reinforce rights-based frameworks, and enhance intelligence-driven decision-making in NAF operations.
During the visit to the NHRC, the Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu, commended the Air Force for what he described as “bold, deliberate and necessary steps” to institutionalise civilian protection within its operational systems. He noted that the development of civilian harm mitigation tools—including improved accountability protocols and strengthened post-strike assessment frameworks—represents a major advancement in integrating human rights principles into Nigeria’s security operations. Dr Ojukwu also encouraged the revival of the NHRC–Military Dialogue, describing it as a critical platform for deepening collaboration, addressing allegations transparently, and reinforcing adherence to domestic laws and international humanitarian standards.
At NAPTIP and the DPP, AVM Gabkwet met with the Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, and the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar Babadoko. Discussions focused on strengthening protection for vulnerable populations, improving prosecution pathways, enhancing the management of cases involving military personnel, and broadening joint training programmes to deepen legal awareness, refine operational judgement, and promote discipline across the Service.
AVM Gabkwet reaffirmed that under the leadership of Air Marshal Aneke, the NAF remains committed to neutralising threats with precision, speed and responsibility. “Our operations must protect the people we serve. Precision must match restraint. Force must be guided by intelligence, legality, and accountability,” he said. According to him, the engagements support the CAS’s strategic vision of integrating data fusion, multi-agency partnerships, and rights-based operational frameworks to enhance mission effectiveness while safeguarding civilian lives.
The NAF delegation included senior officers responsible for human rights, legal coordination, gender affairs and inter-agency cooperation, underscoring the Service’s institutional commitment to long-term and sustainable collaboration. Through these renewed partnerships, the Nigerian Air Force continues to strengthen its evolution into a force where operational excellence, accountability and civilian protection complement one another to create a safer and more humane security environment for Nigerians.
