Nigerian Air Force Intensifies Drive To Embed Civilian Harm Mitigation In Mission Planning Across All Theatres

Nigerian Air Force Intensifies Drive To Embed Civilian Harm Mitigation In Mission Planning Across All Theatres

In alignment with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its efforts to institutionalise Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) principles in mission planning and execution across all theatres of operation. This forms part of NAF’s deliberate drive to deliver smarter, more humane, and accountable airpower. Recent Civil-Military Relations (CMR) engagements held with personnel in Maiduguri, Enugu, and Bayelsa reflected this renewed commitment to enhancing operational precision, deepening empathy in the battlespace, and ensuring that every mission safeguards civilian lives.

Speaking during the sessions, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, represented by Air Commodore Elisha Bindul, highlighted that the recently reviewed NAF CMR Policy identifies Civilian Harm Mitigation and Gender Mainstreaming as critical pillars of air operations. This, he explained, reflects a paradigm shift toward “smarter airpower” that harmonises precision strikes with restraint, situational awareness, and respect for human life. Participants were urged to uphold professionalism and compassion, while recognising that the NAF’s mission extends beyond defending airspace to fostering peace, trust, and stability in host communities. Interactive sessions provided a platform to exchange experiences on inter-agency coordination, community engagement, conflict resolution, and adherence to Rules of Engagement (ROE), while reinforcing NAF’s zero-tolerance stance on sexual exploitation and abuse.

Highlighting the Service’s commitment to Civil-Military Cooperation, the representative of the CCMR revealed plans to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in selected communities nationwide as part of broader humanitarian initiatives. He also directed CMR Desk Officers to sustain regular awareness campaigns and continuous training on CHM principles. Similarly, the Air Component Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore U Idris, emphasised that effective community relations are a strategic advantage in counter-insurgency operations, as lawful and humane conduct sustains both tactical and moral superiority. Through such initiatives, the NAF continues to prove that precision airpower is not solely about accuracy in targeting but about protecting lives, advancing peace, and upholding moral responsibility in the defence of Nigeria’s national and regional stability.