Chief Of Air Stall Tells How International Human Law Impacts Operations

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed that strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) enhances, rather than hinders, operational effectiveness.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Civilian Harm Mitigation Training on 29 August 2025, the CAS, represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, stressed that protecting civilians in conflict environments strengthens trust and cooperation with host communities, facilitates intelligence gathering, and contributes to long-term stability.

He noted that “adherence to IHL is never an obstacle to operational effectiveness; rather, it is a force multiplier. Protecting civilian lives fosters trust and cooperation from local communities, facilitates intelligence gathering, and contributes to long-term stability. It also strengthens Nigeria’s standing as a professional and responsible actor in the global security space.”

Reiterating the NAF’s commitment to civilian protection, the CAS highlighted the launch of the Civilian Harm Mitigation Action Plan earlier in 2025, with a central component being the establishment of a dedicated Department of Civilian Harm Mitigation at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre.

According to him, “the department will function as the hub for NAF-wide training, analysis, and doctrine on civilian protection, thereby institutionalizing best practices for harm mitigation and response during air operations.”

He commended the just-concluded training as a preparatory step towards this goal, adding that while platforms, technology, and tactics provide the means to fight, “it is our values, respect for human dignity, and compliance with international law that truly define us as a force for good.”

The Civilian Harm Mitigation Training, conducted in three batches for 69 officers from 11–29 August 2025, covered international humanitarian law in the context of Nigerian air operations, precision ordnance selection, rules of engagement, target identification, the No-Strike List (NSL), and the Sensitive Target Approval and Review (STAR) process.

In his welcome address, the Commandant Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal Michael Ekwueme, expressed gratitude to the CAS for entrusting the Centre with the training mandate, urging participants to apply their knowledge in operational theatres.

He noted that the rigorous curriculum reinforced the NAF’s compliance with conventions such as the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, the Hague Regulations, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The CAS further commended the facilitators, organizers, and participants, stressing that the successful completion of the programme would enhance the NAF’s ability to minimize civilian harm and promote accountability in all operations.