The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has intensified efforts to include Civilian Harm Mitigation principles in all mission planning and execution across its operational theatres.
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the move aligns with the vision of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, to ensure that air operations are more precise, humane, and accountable.
Ejodame noted that NAF teams recently held Civil-Military Relations engagements with personnel in Maiduguri, Enugu, and Bayelsa to strengthen empathy on the battlefield and ensure civilians are protected during operations.
During the sessions, the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, represented by Air Commodore Elisha Bindul, said the updated NAF Civil-Military Relations Policy places civilian protection and gender considerations at the heart of air operations.
Personnel were reminded that beyond defending the nation’s airspace, the Air Force must also build trust with communities and maintain professional conduct at all times.
The NAF added that previous humanitarian programmes had supported over 2,000 civilians and that new Quick Impact Projects would soon be launched in selected communities.
The Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore Umar Idris, stressed that strong community relations help military operations succeed and maintain moral advantage in conflict zones.
