IHL Not Hindrance To Operational Effectiveness

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has reaffirmed that strict adherence to international humanitarian law enhances, rather than hinders, operational effectiveness.

The CAS stated this at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Civilian Harm Mitigation training on Friday, August 29, 2025, in Abuja.

The CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, noted that protecting civilians in conflict environments strengthens trust and cooperation from host communities, facilitates intelligence gathering, and contributes to long-term stability.

In a statement by the NAF Spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS emphasized that adherence to international humanitarian law is never an obstacle to operational effectiveness; rather, it is a force multiplier.

He said “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.”

In line with these commitments, the NAF launched its Civilian Harm Mitigation Action Plan earlier this year. According to the CAS, “a key component of this plan is the establishment of a dedicated Department of Civilian Harm Mitigation at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre.” He added that this course has served as a preparatory step towards the department’s full establishment.

“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 added.