NAF Begins Civilian Harm Mitigation Training to Reduce Casualties in Air Operations

The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a specialised training programme aimed at reducing civilian casualties during air missions, as part of renewed efforts to improve professionalism and precision in ongoing operations across the country. 

The initiative, known as the Basic Civilian Harm Mitigation Course 1/2026, was declared open at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre in Makurdi by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who was represented at the event by the Director of Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Ayo Bamidele.

Speaking at the inauguration, the air chief explained that modern air warfare is now conducted in highly complex environments where the presence of civilians often overlaps with combat zones, making careful and responsible deployment of air power essential.

He noted that protecting civilians during military operations is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a key factor in sustaining public confidence and ensuring long-term success in security missions.

According to him, the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre will organise the civilian harm mitigation training on a quarterly basis, while plans are underway to introduce a training-of-trainers programme to expand the capacity of personnel across the service.

Also speaking, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the programme reflects the changing nature of military operations and the growing need to balance operational effectiveness with the protection of civilian lives.

He explained that beyond battlefield success, modern military performance is increasingly judged by how well forces prevent unintended harm, respond to incidents, and maintain public trust through transparency and accountability.

Gabkwet added that the new training framework focuses on improving decision-making, strengthening institutional learning, and ensuring that civilian protection considerations are integrated into planning, intelligence, targeting, and command processes.

He further disclosed that the Air Force has set up a civilian harm mitigation governing board to provide guidance and oversight for the programme across all commands.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal Garba Jibia, described the centre as the intellectual hub for the development of air power doctrine in the Nigerian Air Force, making it the appropriate venue for the course.

He said the realities of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations demand deliberate training that prepares officers to operate in environments where civilians and hostile elements are often mixed.

According to him, the course will expose participants to scenario-based exercises designed to improve operational judgment and ensure that air power is applied with accuracy while minimising collateral damage.

Jibia added that the centre has recently been tasked with conducting both civilian harm mitigation and air-ground integration training for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthen joint operations and enhance mission safety.