Nigerian Air Force Strengthens Commitment To Civilian Protection With Specialized Training

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reinforced its dedication to safeguarding civilians in conflict zones by successfully completing a five-day Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) in Air Operations course for its first batch of specially selected officers.

Hosted by the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) in Abuja, the training brought together a diverse group of personnel, including pilots, UAV operators, armament specialists, legal officers, and public relations experts.

This multi-disciplinary approach reflects the complexities of protecting non-combatants in modern military operations.

The course, running in three batches from August 11 to September 5, 2025, is delivered in partnership with Conflict, Security and Development Consult Limited. It is part of a broader initiative directed by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, building on the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) launched earlier this year.

This program aims to integrate legality, precision, and humanity into all air operations.

The comprehensive curriculum included International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Rules of Engagement, the No-Strike List (NSL), Sensitive Target Approval and Review (STAR) processes, and advanced protocols for engaging sensitive targets. Air Marshal Abubakar emphasized that the training aligns with both professional standards and moral obligations to minimize civilian harm.

He highlighted the program’s early success in reducing collateral damage incidents in operational areas.

At the course’s closing ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, representing the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, noted that the NAF’s approach transcends mere legal compliance. He described civilian protection as a strategic advantage that builds community trust, improves intelligence gathering, and isolates hostile elements, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of military operations.

With additional batches scheduled for training through September, the Nigerian Air Force continues to demonstrate its unwavering resolve to place civilian protection at the core of its operational doctrine.