Nigerian Air Force Deepens Commitment To Civilian Safety, Engages Defence Advisors and Diplomats In Strategic Dialogue

Nigerian Air Force Deepens Commitment To Civilian Safety, Engages Defence Advisors and Diplomats In Strategic Dialogue

In a major step towards institutionalising civilian protection in military operations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its advocacy for Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) through a high-level engagement with Defence Advisers and members of the diplomatic community in Nigeria. The advocacy session, held on 25 June 2025 at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The event brought together Defence Attachés, conflict advisers, and security experts from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Finland, and other partner nations. It served as a platform for the NAF to highlight its sustained efforts in ensuring that the conduct of air operations aligns with international humanitarian principles, human rights standards, and the Nigerian Air Force’s internal policies on civilian protection. At the heart of the advocacy was the presentation of the Nigerian Air Force’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which outlines key measures adopted to prevent, acknowledge, and respond to harm inflicted on civilians during military operations. The plan also demonstrates the Service’s deliberate effort to institutionalise accountability, transparency, and restraint in operational planning and execution.

Also central to the advocacy was the issue of gender inclusion. The NAF showcased its Directorate of Human Rights and Gender Affairs (DHRGA) and the mechanisms in place to address incidents of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The event concluded with a firm commitment by all parties to support ongoing advocacy and capacity-building initiatives. Participants agreed that the protection of civilians must remain a cornerstone of modern military operations and pledged continued partnership with the Nigerian Air Force in achieving this shared objective. The event underscores NAF’s dedication to protecting civilians, building trust with local communities, and working closely with partners to promote shared values in conflict environments.