NAF enhances training in civilian harm reduction

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has concluded a five-day course on Civilian Harm Mitigation in Air Operations at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre in Abuja, emphasising its dedication to civilian protection in conflict areas.

This training, in collaboration with Conflict, Security, and Development Consult Limited, is scheduled in three sessions from August 11 to September 5, 2025.

It is an extension of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan that was launched earlier this year, focusing on integrating legality, precision, and humanity into air operations.

During the initiative, Chief of Air Staff Hasan Bala Abubakar noted that the program embodies NAF’s professional and ethical responsibility to protect non-combatants during conflicts.

At the closing ceremony, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet highlighted that safeguarding civilians not only ensures adherence to international law but also provides a strategic edge.

According to him, safeguarding lives strengthens trust with communities, improves intelligence sharing, and helps isolate hostile actors.

With more officers set to undergo training before September ends, NAF has reinforced its resolve to make civilian protection a central pillar of its operational doctrine.