Air Chief: Military Success Now Depends on Trust, Not Just Firepower

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, says modern military success depends not only on firepower but also on building trust and cooperation with civilian populations.

According to a statement signed by the Nigerian Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, he made the remarks at the Civil–Military Relations Conference 2026 held on 24 March, where he stressed the growing importance of integrating the human dimension into air operations.

Air Marshal Aneke said the Air Force had repositioned civil–military relations as a key part of its operations through community engagement, improved communication and feedback systems. He added that these measures were aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.

He cited recent actions including compensation for victims of an accidental airstrike in Sokoto, aswell as intervention projects such as medical outreach and infrastructure support in several states, as part of efforts to strengthen public trust.

The air chief also highlighted the role of intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other agencies, alongside non-military approaches such as strategic communication, in improving operational effectiveness.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said non-kinetic operations were becoming increasingly important in modern warfare. He noted that the establishment of a dedicated civil–military relations branch in 2024 had helped improve community engagement and accountability.

The one-day conference brought together military personnel, academics and media professionals, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation between the military and civilian institutions.