Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, says civilian protection has become a central consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.
Aneke stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.
He called for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.
Aneke said that modern warfare required a shift in mindset, stressing that success in operations was no longer defined only by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives.
“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.
The CAS said personnel must strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm.
He added that civilian harm mitigation was not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that improves precision, accountability and decision-making.
According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.
Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts.
He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.
