Personnel of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai have completed a three-day training programme on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), aimed at strengthening professionalism and enhancing the protection of civilians during military operations in the North-East.
The training, conducted in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, was held in Maiduguri from June 2 to 4, 2026, and involved officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force serving under Operation Hadin Kai.
According to military authorities, the programme provided participants with practical instruction on International Humanitarian Law, Rules of Engagement, and Civilian Harm Mitigation measures to improve mission execution while safeguarding civilian lives and property.
The initiative aligns with the operational philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, whose leadership emphasises operational effectiveness, accountability, purposeful lethality and civilian harm mitigation as key pillars of Nigerian Air Force operations.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, MB Ahmed, commended the ICRC team led by Diana Djaparidze for facilitating the training.
Ahmed said the programme would further strengthen the professionalism of personnel and enhance compliance with humanitarian laws during ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
He noted that as Operation Hadin Kai continues its campaign against terrorist groups in the region, adherence to national and international legal standards remains a critical component of military operations.
Military authorities stated that the training underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to balancing operational success with humanitarian responsibility, demonstrating that effective military action and civilian protection can be pursued simultaneously.
