The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding civilians while maintaining relentless operational pressure on terrorist networks across multiple theatres of operation.
This was disclosed in a statement by Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters NAF, following the inauguration of the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) Course 1/2026 at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) on Monday.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who led the event, underscored the strategic importance of civilian protection in modern air operations.
“Safeguarding civilian lives is not a limitation to military effectiveness; rather, it is a force multiplier that strengthens operational legitimacy, builds public trust, and reinforces the Nigerian Air Force’s reputation as a professional and responsible force,” he said.
He stressed that the training must have practical application, guiding decisions in planning rooms, command centres, and operational theatres.
According to the CAS, ongoing joint operations have significantly degraded the operational freedom of terrorist groups, forcing them into desperate tactics. He noted that the NAF, working closely with other security agencies, maintains persistent surveillance, rapid response capability, and strong interagency collaboration to keep hostile elements under constant pressure.
The Basic CHM Course, comprising 26 participants including air component commanders, operational pilots, UAV operators, legal advisers, and Civil-Military Relations officers, is designed to deepen understanding of International Humanitarian Law, Rules of Engagement, positive target identification, and other measures aimed at preventing or minimising civilian harm.
Air Vice Marshals Edward Gapkwet and G.I. Jibia highlighted the evolving mandate of the AWDC in promoting joint operational effectiveness and institutionalising best practices in civil-military operations, reinforcing the NAF’s reputation as a professional and accountable force.
By Emmanuel Obisue, Abuja
