By Nkechi Eze
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.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the landmark seminar was held on 2 June 2026 at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, and 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 contemporary military operations.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the initiative as a significant milestone in the NAF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness. He noted that the evolving security environment requires military leaders to balance mission accomplishment with the protection of civilian lives and property, stressing that strategic-level officers play a critical role in shaping operational decisions, institutional responses and public narratives.
Air Marshal Aneke stated that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to institutionalising Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of operations in line with global best practices. He emphasised that maintaining public trust and confidence is critical to achieving sustainable 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 Chief of the Air Staff said.
He further noted 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, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and civilian protection in military operations. He observed that modern military operations require a careful balance between mission accomplishment and humanitarian considerations, particularly in complex environments where civilians are often present.
According to Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet, “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 highlighted the Nigerian Air Force’s deliberate efforts to strengthen Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response through doctrine development, training and capacity-building initiatives. The senior officer explained that the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to enhance strategic-level understanding of CHMR principles and equip senior leaders with practical tools for balanced, objective and timely decision-making.
Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet also stressed that effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, describing the broad participation at the seminar as both timely and essential.
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 outcomes of the seminar would further strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, operational excellence and accountability, while reinforcing its determination to protect civilians and uphold the highest standards in the conduct of air operations.
