Nigerian Air Force launches training to strengthen civilian protection during operations

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it remains committed to protecting civilians while maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across different operational theatres in the country.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, made the remarks during the inauguration of the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) Course 1/2026 at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre in Abuja on Monday.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the air force said ongoing joint military operations had significantly reduced the operational capacity of terrorist groups, forcing them to resort to desperate tactics.

Represented at the event by the Director of Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal A. Bamidele, the Chief of the Air Staff said protecting civilian lives during air operations strengthens, rather than limits, military effectiveness. He said measures to reduce civilian harm help build public trust and reinforce the professionalism of the force.

The air chief added that the Civilian Harm Mitigation course was designed to equip personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate civilian protection into operational planning, intelligence gathering, targeting decisions and mission execution.

Participants are expected to gain deeper understanding of international humanitarian law, rules of engagement and positive target identification aimed at preventing or minimising civilian casualties during operations.Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations at NAF Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gapkwet, said military success should not only be measured by battlefield outcomes but also by efforts to prevent civilian harm and incorporate lessons learned into future operations.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal G.I. Jibia, said the centre’s mandate includes providing training on air-ground integration and civilian harm mitigation for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with international best practice.

The course has 26 participants, including air component commanders, operational pilots, unmanned aerial vehicle operators, legal advisers and civil-military relations officers. It is aimed at improving professional judgement and operational decision-making in complex environments where civilians and combatants may be closely mixed.