Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting professional, accountable and people-centred military operations with the maiden edition of its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Seminar for strategic-level officers held in Abuja.
The seminar, which took place on Monday, June 2, 2026, at the MD Umar Blue Room, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society representatives, journalists and specialists in civilian protection to deliberate on ways of enhancing civilian safety during military operations.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the seminar as a major milestone in the Air Force’s efforts to strengthen professionalism, accountability and operational effectiveness amid evolving security challenges.
He noted that contemporary military operations require commanders and decision-makers to strike a balance between achieving operational objectives and safeguarding civilian lives and property, stressing that strategic-level officers play a critical role in shaping operational decisions and institutional responses.
According to the Air Chief, the Nigerian Air Force is determined to institutionalise Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response across all levels of its operations in line with international best practices and evolving standards of military professionalism.
Aneke emphasised that public trust remains a vital component of successful military campaigns, adding that civilian protection measures should not be viewed as obstacles to operational success but as mechanisms that improve precision, strengthen decision-making and enhance mission legitimacy.
“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 stated.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the seminar as a landmark initiative designed to deepen understanding of civilian protection considerations in military operations.
Gabkwet said modern military engagements often occur in complex environments where civilians are present, making it imperative for military personnel to conduct operations with discipline, restraint and due regard for the safety and dignity of non-combatants.
He noted that the Nigerian Air Force has continued to strengthen its civilian harm mitigation framework through doctrine development, specialised training and capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing operational accountability.
According to him, the seminar was organised at the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff to equip senior officers with practical tools and strategic insights needed to make balanced, objective and timely decisions during operations.
He further stressed that effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military institutions, security agencies, humanitarian actors and civil society organisations, describing the broad participation at the seminar as both timely and necessary.
The seminar featured presentations by experts in military operations, civilian protection and human rights, who shared best practices, operational lessons and strategies for reducing civilian harm while maintaining mission effectiveness.
Participants also engaged in discussions focused on strengthening institutional accountability, improving operational planning and reinforcing public confidence in military operations.
The Nigerian Air Force expressed confidence that the outcomes of the seminar would further enhance its commitment to operational excellence, professionalism and the protection of civilians, while supporting ongoing efforts to address security challenges across the country.