Nigerian Air Force Increases Training On Protecting Civilians In Conflict Zones

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its frontline commitment to protecting civilians in conflict zones with the successful completion of a five-day Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) in Air Operations course for the first batch of specially selected officers. 

Hosted by the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Abuja, the training brought together pilots, UAV operators, armament specialists, legal officers, public relations experts, and others, reflecting the multi-disciplinary approach required to safeguard non-combatants in modern warfare. 

The programme, which runs in three batches between 11 August and 5 September 2025, is 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, embedding legality, precision, and humanity at the heart of air operations. 

The rigorous curriculum covered 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 the CAS, the training underscores the NAF’s professional and moral imperative to protect civilians, with measurable results already seen in the reduction of collateral damage incidents across operational theatres.

At the closing ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, representing the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, highlighted that NAF’s approach goes beyond compliance with international law by framing civilian protection as a strategic advantage. 

He noted that safeguarding innocent lives strengthens community trust, enhances intelligence sharing, and isolates hostile actors, ultimately serving as a force multiplier.

With subsequent batches of officers set to undergo training by September, the NAF has demonstrated its unwavering resolve to make civilian protection a central pillar of its operational doctrine.