NAF Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for Strategic-Level Officers Underway in Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a high-level Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) for Strategic-Level Officers at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of civilians during air operations.
The seminar is designed to enhance the capacity of senior officers in civilian harm mitigation and response, deepen institutional awareness of civilian protection obligations, and equip strategic-level commanders with practical tools for balanced, objective, intelligence-driven, and timely decision-making in the planning and execution of air operations.
Welcoming participants at the opening session, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the seminar reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and adherence to international best practices in military operations.
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According to him, the primary objective of the seminar is to shape and sharpen the Air Force’s approach to operational planning and execution in a manner that minimizes the risk of harm to civilian populations.
“The whole idea behind convening this seminar is to strengthen our processes and response mechanisms before operations are conducted, ensuring that innocent civilians do not become unintended victims of air operations,” Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet stated.
He noted that contemporary military operations require a delicate balance between achieving operational objectives and safeguarding civilian lives, stressing that civilian harm mitigation has become an integral component of effective and responsible air power employment.
The seminar brings together senior NAF officers and key stakeholders to examine emerging trends, share experiences, and explore strategies for integrating civilian harm mitigation considerations into operational planning, execution, and post-operation assessments.
The initiative underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s determination to continually improve its operational effectiveness while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and respect for human life.
The one day seminar was declared open by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.