CAS: Protection of Civilians Key Measure of Success in Modern Military Operations
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has declared that the success of modern military operations should no longer be measured solely by battlefield achievements but also by the extent to which civilian lives and property are protected.
Speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for Strategic-Level Officers in Abuja on Tuesday, the Air Chief said the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges demands a military force that is adaptive, professional, and responsive to humanitarian considerations.
According to him, the seminar was convened to strengthen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior leaders with the tools required for balanced, objective, and timely decision-making in military operations.
“The global security environment is evolving rapidly, and we must continuously adapt if we are to remain effective and relevant,” the CAS said, noting that operational environments have become increasingly complex and dynamic.
He emphasized that while the Nigerian Air Force remains fully committed to defeating threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality, operational success must also be assessed through the lens of civilian protection.
“Success in modern military operations can no longer be measured solely by tactical achievements, but also by the extent to which civilian lives and property are protected,” he stated.
Air Marshal Aneke noted that incidents arising from military operations, whether verified or alleged, have highlighted the need for stronger institutional understanding and application of civilian harm mitigation and response principles.
According to him, such issues have significant implications for transparency, accountability, public trust, and the legitimacy of military operations.
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“As an institution, we recognize that maintaining the confidence of the civilian population is essential to achieving lasting security outcomes,” he said.
The Air Chief disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force has continued to institutionalise civilian harm mitigation and response mechanisms, particularly at the tactical and operational levels, but stressed that strategic leadership must also be fully aligned with these principles.
“It is in view of this that I directed the Civil-Military Relations Branch to organise this seminar for senior officers, with the aim of consolidating our knowledge and aligning our actions with global best practices,” he explained.
Air Marshal Aneke further described civilian harm mitigation as a “strategic enabler” rather than a limitation on military operations, stressing that it enhances operational precision, improves decision-making, and ultimately contributes to mission success.
He urged participants to strengthen processes relating to operational planning, target verification, operational assessment, and post-action reviews, adding that where lapses occur, they must be addressed with professionalism, honesty, and accountability.
“We must strengthen our processes for planning, target verification, operational assessment, and post-action review. Where lapses occur, we must address them with professionalism, honesty, and a commitment to accountability,” he said.
The CAS expressed confidence that the seminar would generate practical recommendations capable of improving operational conduct and reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to the protection of civilians.
He also commended the participation of leading experts and stakeholders, including Dr. Larry Lewis of the Center for Naval Analyses, United States, representatives of the National Human Rights Commission, and other partner organisations, for supporting the initiative.
Air Marshal Aneke urged participants to actively engage in discussions and ensure that lessons learned are translated into actionable measures that will enhance operational effectiveness while safeguarding civilian populations.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the seminar would further strengthen the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, operational excellence, accountability, and civilian protection across all theatres of operation.
