The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received widespread international acclaim for its groundbreaking efforts in mitigating civilian harm through the development and implementation of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP). The accolades were delivered during the United Nations and Tunisian Defence Forces–sponsored Conference on Protection of Civilians in Tunis, where the NAF was lauded for embedding leadership oversight, training, data collection, and strategic communications into its operational framework, setting a new global standard for air forces worldwide.
Leading by Example: A New Standard in Civilian Harm Mitigation
At the conference, the NAF’s approach to civilian harm mitigation was heralded as a model of excellence. The NAF’s commitment to civilian protection was showcased as a vital element in shaping modern air force operations. By incorporating comprehensive frameworks that address both operational effectiveness and humanitarian values, the NAF has established itself as a pioneer in the global military community.
Chief of Air Staff’s Remarks
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Cooperation and Coordination at the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch, reaffirmed that protecting civilians is not only a moral responsibility but also a constitutional duty. He emphasized that military operations must align with humanitarian values, warning that failure to prioritize civilian protection could have long-term strategic repercussions.
“Protecting civilians during conflict is an imperative we cannot afford to ignore,” stated Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet. “Operational success must always be measured not only by military effectiveness but by our commitment to safeguarding innocent lives. The CHMR-AP is a testament to the NAF’s resolve to integrate these humanitarian values into our daily operations.”
Key Developments in Civilian Harm Mitigation
Under the leadership of Air Marshal Abubakar, the NAF has made significant strides in the swift roll-out of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP). Key components of the plan include:
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Establishment of a Strategic Oversight Board to ensure proper monitoring and implementation of civilian harm mitigation efforts.
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Creation of a Civilian Harm Assessment Cell to conduct thorough evaluations and provide actionable insights.
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Launch of a dedicated department at the Air Warfare Centre to lead capacity building, ensure continual improvement, and maintain high standards of civilian harm mitigation within the NAF.
These initiatives are part of the broader effort to integrate civilian protection measures into operational planning and decision-making, ensuring that NAF missions align with international standards for the protection of civilians in conflict zones.
International Support and Collaboration
The conference, which brought together over 100 participants, including military leaders, United Nations officials, and representatives from civil society, underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing civilian protection on the global stage. The NAF’s leadership in this domain was a focal point of discussions, with many participants commending the Air Force’s proactive approach in shaping military operations that are ethical, responsive, and people-centered.
The event also highlighted the NAF’s pivotal role in strengthening continental resolve to implement similar civilian harm mitigation frameworks across Africa, setting a benchmark for air forces across the region.
A Call for Continued Commitment
In closing, the international community reiterated the need for continued progress in civilian harm mitigation and protection, with the NAF serving as a beacon of hope and a model for others to follow. The Nigerian Air Force’s efforts represent a significant step toward ensuring that military operations are not only effective but also responsible and humane.
About the Nigerian Air Force (NAF)
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is a key component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, tasked with defending the sovereignty of Nigeria through air and ground operations. In recent years, the NAF has made significant strides in modernizing its capabilities, focusing on both military efficiency and humanitarian responsibility in conflict zones.
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