Safeguarding civilians takes top priority in aerial missions, says Close Air Support

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Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke

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The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, says civilian protection has become a central consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.

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Aneke stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.

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He called for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.

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Aneke said that modern warfare required a shift in mindset, stressing that success in operations was no longer defined only by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives.

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“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.

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The CAS said personnel must strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm.

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He added that civilian harm mitigation was not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that improves precision, accountability and decision-making.

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According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.

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Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts.

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He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.

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Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the seminar marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations.

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Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind in the NAF at the strategic level, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.

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He noted that contemporary security operations were increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimise harm.

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According to him, effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation.

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“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said.

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He added that the initiative reflected the NAF’s commitment to evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimising civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness. (NAN)

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