Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has warned that allegations of civilian casualties during military air operations can undermine mission legitimacy, weaken public confidence and damage the reputation of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Aneke spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden Seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for Strategic Level Officers. He said recent allegations involving civilian casualties have highlighted the need for a stronger understanding and application of civilian protection principles across military operations.
According to him, such incidents affect relationships with local and international stakeholders and can erode confidence in the Air Force as a professional institution. He stressed that modern military operations require more than battlefield success and must also prioritize the protection of civilian lives and property.
The Air Chief said the NAF recognizes the importance of public trust and has continued to strengthen mechanisms that reduce civilian harm during operations. He noted that the seminar aims to improve the understanding of strategic-level officers whose decisions influence operational outcomes and institutional credibility.
Aneke described Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response as a framework that improves precision, supports better decision-making and preserves strategic legitimacy. He added that military personnel must strengthen target verification processes, assess operational outcomes thoroughly and draw lessons from every mission.
He urged commanders to respond with professionalism, honesty and responsibility whenever operations result in unintended harm.
The Nigerian military has faced criticism over reports of civilian casualties during some counterinsurgency air operations, particularly in the North-East and North-West. In response, the Air Force has introduced measures to strengthen civilian protection and improve transparency in its operations.
