NAF Tightens Air Campaign on Terrorists, Rolls Out Training to Prevent Civilian Casualties
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians while maintaining relentless aerial pressure on terrorist groups operating across the country’s conflict zones.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, gave the assurance on Monday during the inauguration of the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) Course 1/2026 at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre in Abuja.
Air Marshal Aneke said ongoing joint military operations have significantly degraded the operational capacity of terrorist groups, forcing them to adopt increasingly desperate tactics.
He stressed that the NAF, working closely with other security agencies, continues to deploy persistent surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and strong interagency collaboration to keep hostile elements under sustained pressure.
Represented by the Director of Air Operations at NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal A. Bamidele, the CAS emphasised that safeguarding civilian lives during air operations enhances, rather than limits, military effectiveness.
According to him, integrating civilian protection into operational planning strengthens the legitimacy of military operations and builds public trust.
“Safeguarding civilian lives is not a limitation to military effectiveness; rather, it is a force multiplier that strengthens operational legitimacy, builds public trust, and reinforces the Nigerian Air Force’s reputation as a professional and responsible force,” he said.
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The Air Chief explained that the Civilian Harm Mitigation course was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and judgement required to integrate civilian protection considerations into operational planning, intelligence processes, targeting decisions, and mission execution.
He noted that the training would deepen participants’ understanding of international humanitarian law, rules of engagement, and positive target identification—key safeguards aimed at preventing or minimising civilian casualties during air operations.
Air Marshal Aneke urged participants to take the training seriously and ensure that the lessons learned translate directly into operational decision-making.
Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations at NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gapkwet, noted that in today’s complex security environment, military success is measured not only by battlefield outcomes but also by how effectively civilian harm is prevented and addressed.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal G.I. Jibia, said the centre’s expanded mandate now includes specialised training in Air-Ground Integration and Civilian Harm Mitigation for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with global best practices.
The course has 26 participants drawn from across the operational spectrum, including air component commanders, operational pilots, unmanned aerial vehicle operators, legal advisers, and civil-military relations officers.
It is aimed at strengthening professional judgement and operational decision-making in environments where civilians and combatants are often intermingled.