NAF Concludes First Civilian Harm Mitigation Course, Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Civilians in Conflict Zones

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reiterated its frontline commitment to safeguarding civilians in conflict areas with the successful completion of the first batch of its Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) in Air Operations course.

In a statement released on its official X handle, NAF confirmed that the five-day training was hosted by the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Abuja, bringing together a multidisciplinary team of pilots, UAV operators, armament specialists, legal officers, and public relations experts. The programme, which will run in three batches between 11 August and 5 September 2025, is being delivered in partnership with Conflict, Security and Development Consult Limited.

Directed by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the initiative builds on the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) launched earlier this year. The course was designed to embed legality, precision, and humanity at the core of NAF’s operations.

Participants were trained on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Rules of Engagement, No-Strike List (NSL), Sensitive Target Approval and Review (STAR) processes, and advanced protocols for engaging sensitive targets. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, the programme underscores the Service’s professional and moral imperative to protect civilians, with measurable results already evident in reduced collateral damage across operational theatres.

To round-up the ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, who represented the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, said the training went beyond compliance with international law by positioning civilian protection as a strategic advantage. He stressed that prioritising the safety of non-combatants builds community trust, improves intelligence sharing, and isolates hostile elements, ultimately serving as a “force multiplier” for NAF’s missions.

With subsequent batches of officers scheduled for training through early September, the Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its resolve to make civilian protection a central pillar of its operational doctrine, aligning its practices with global best standards in modern air warfare.