NAF Deepens Commitment to Civilian Protection, Integrates Civilian Harm Mitigation into Air Operations
In line with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to embed Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) principles into mission planning and execution across all theatres of operation. The move underscores the NAF’s unwavering commitment to delivering smarter, more humane, and accountable airpower.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement, noting that as part of the initiative, the NAF recently conducted Civil-Military Relations (CMR) engagements with personnel in Maiduguri, Enugu, and Bayelsa States. The engagements aim to enhance operational precision, deepen empathy in the battlespace, and ensure that every mission protects—rather than endangers—civilian lives.
During the sessions, the Chief of Civil Military Relations (CCMR), Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, represented by Air Commodore Elisha Bindul, stated that the recently reviewed NAF Civil-Military Relations Policy now identifies Civilian Harm Mitigation and Gender Mainstreaming as central pillars of air operations. He explained that this reflects a deliberate shift towards “smarter airpower,” one that balances precision with restraint, situational awareness, and respect for human life.
AVM Daramola emphasized that the NAF’s mission extends beyond defending Nigeria’s airspace—it also involves building trust, promoting peace, and fostering cooperation within host communities. He charged personnel to maintain professionalism, empathy, and compassion in all interactions with civilians, describing these virtues as essential to operational success and long-term stability in conflict-affected regions.
The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for participants to share field experiences, address challenges, and exchange best practices. Discussions focused on community engagement, inter-agency coordination, conflict resolution, and adherence to Rules of Engagement (ROE). Personnel were also reminded of the NAF’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, reinforcing that lawful conduct and respect for human dignity remain indispensable to operational credibility.
Highlighting the NAF’s ongoing commitment to Civil-Military Cooperation, the CCMR representative recalled past humanitarian outreach programmes that benefited over 2,000 civilians in host communities—initiatives that have received commendation from international partners for strengthening operational awareness and fostering civil-military trust.
He further disclosed that efforts are underway to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in select communities across the country as part of broader Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives. Unit CMR Desk Officers were directed to sustain awareness campaigns and continuous training on Civilian Harm Mitigation and other humanitarian considerations.
In his remarks during the Maiduguri engagement, the Air Component Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore Umar Idris, reiterated that effective community relations remain a strategic advantage in counter-insurgency operations. He stressed that coordinated, lawful, and humane conduct is vital to sustaining both tactical and moral superiority in the field.
Through these initiatives, the Nigerian Air Force continues to demonstrate that precision airpower is not only about targeting accuracy but also about moral clarity—ensuring that every strike advances peace, protects civilians, and contributes to national and regional stability.