Nigerian Air Force Commended for Leadership in Civilian Harm Mitigation

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian Air Force has received widespread praise for its leadership in developing and implementing the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP), as well as its growing role in advancing civilian protection efforts. The commendations were expressed during a recent conference on protection of civilians held in Tunis, Tunisia, sponsored by the United Nations and the Tunisian Defence Forces. The NAF's Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodamet, noted that the NAF was praised for embedding leadership oversight, training, and data collection into its operational framework to improve the protection of civilians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NAF has been commended for its leadership in developing and implementing the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response-Action Plan (CHMR-AP), which includes robust strategies and guidance for protecting civilians.
  • The NAF has integrated civilian considerations into its operational framework, including training and data collection to improve the protection of civilians.
  • The NAF has established a CHMR Board for strategic oversight, a Civilian Harm Assessment Cell for investigations, and a dedicated department at the Air Warfare Centre to lead capacity-building.
  • The NAF has also initiated field engagements to integrate civilian considerations into operations.
  • The CHMR-AP has been recognized as a forward-thinking model for modern air forces, and the NAF's efforts have been praised by senior military officials and regional organizations.

The NAF has also emphasized the importance of balancing military objectives with humanitarian obligations, with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, stating that "operational effectiveness must never come at the expense of civilian lives."

Statistics:

  • The NAF has inaugurated a CHMR Board for strategic oversight.
  • The NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Assessment Cell for investigations.
  • The NAF has established a dedicated department at the Air Warfare Centre to lead capacity-building.
  • Over 100 participants attended the conference on protection of civilians, including senior military officials, representatives from regional and subregional organisations, the United Nations, and various civil society groups.

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria, 03 August 2025
  • Official statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodamet, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters
  • Statement by Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff