Nigerian Air Force, International Committee of the Red Cross Sign MoU To Strengthen Humanitarian Compliance and Operational Effectiveness

Nigerian Air Force, International Committee of the Red Cross Sign MoU To Strengthen Humanitarian Compliance and Operational Effectiveness

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on 11 March 2026, received the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr James Matthews, at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, where both organisations formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance training and institutional capacity in International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The CAS described the agreement as a strategic milestone that reinforces the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and adherence to global ethical standards in the conduct of air operations, particularly within ongoing counter-insurgency engagements.

Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that the collaboration will support the institutionalisation of IHL training across NAF operational and training establishments, enabling the development of a pool of qualified legal advisers while strengthening lawful engagement awareness among pilots, commanders, intelligence personnel, and other officers. He noted that integrating humanitarian principles into operational planning will enhance precision targeting, improve civilian harm mitigation measures, and further refine the effectiveness of airpower in neutralising terrorist threats. The CAS stressed that this approach will reinforce the NAF’s ability to apply decisive and purposeful force against hostile elements while safeguarding innocent citizens and critical civilian infrastructure.

In his response, Mr James Matthews commended the Nigerian Air Force for its proactive efforts to embed International Humanitarian Law into doctrine, training, and operational practice, noting that such measures contribute to more effective and accountable security operations. He reaffirmed the ICRC’s readiness to provide technical expertise and capacity-building support aimed at strengthening sustainable in-house competencies within the NAF. Both leaders expressed confidence that the partnership will enhance operational professionalism, support humanitarian access where required, and contribute to ongoing efforts to restore stability and security across affected regions.