NAF moves to curb civilian casualties during operations

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) Course 1/2026 as part of efforts to reduce civilian casualties and strengthen professionalism in air operations across the country.

The course was inaugurated on Monday at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by the Director of Air Operation, AVM Ayo Bamidele.

In his remarks, Aneke described the course as a milestone in the professional evolution of the NAF

He said modern air operations were increasingly conducted in complex environments, making careful application of air power critical.

“Civilian harm mitigation is not only a moral and legal responsibility, it is a strategic enabler that strengthens mission legitimacy, public trust, and long-term operational success,” he said.

The CAS added that the AWDC would conduct quarterly CHM courses and introduce a Training-of-Trainers programme later in the year to deepen institutional capacity, urging participants to internalise the principles of civilian harm mitigation in operational planning and execution.

The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the initiative reflected the evolving nature of NAF operations and the service’s commitment to safeguarding civilian lives while carrying out its constitutional duties.

According to him, military success today is equally measured by how operations are perceived, how harm is prevented or addressed, and how lessons are institutionalised.

He explained that the CHM initiative was anchored on prevention through better decision-making, institutional learning, and accountability, as well as building public trust through transparency and respect for civilian lives.

“The course translates policy into practical capability by integrating civilian harm considerations into operational planning, intelligence, targeting, and command decisions.

NAF has also established a Civilian Harm Mitigation Governing Board to provide policy direction and oversight for the programme across the service,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant of AWDC, AVM Garba Jibia, said the centre was the intellectual hub of air power development in the NAF, making it an appropriate platform for the training.

Jibia noted that the complexity of modern security environments, especially in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, required deliberate institutionalisation of civilian harm mitigation principles.

“The Basic CHM Course is designed to deepen understanding, sharpen decision-making, and promote honest reflection on the challenges of operating where civilians and combatants are often intermingled,” he said.

He added that the centre had recently been mandated to conduct both Civilian Harm Mitigation and Air-Ground Integration training for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to enhance joint operations and minimise collateral damage during missions.

The Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation Course 1/2026 will expose participants to scenario-based learning aimed at improving operational judgement and ensuring air power is applied with precision while safeguarding civilian lives,” he added. (NAN)