Air Marshal Aneke Cautions Against Civilian Casualties in Air Operations

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties during military air operations. According to Aneke, allegations of civilian harm have significant implications for the legitimacy and reputation of the Nigerian Air Force. He stated this at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for Strategic Level Officers in Abuja. Aneke noted that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to professional and responsible air operations, but allegations of civilian harm have highlighted the need for stronger institutional understanding and application of civilian protection principles. The air chief said, 'Allegations arising from some past air operations involving civilian casualties have brought to the fore the need for stronger institutional understanding and application of the principles of civilian harm mitigation and response, mostly in the areas of transparency, accountability and continuous operational evaluation.' Aneke stressed that operational success should not be measured solely by tactical achievements, but also by the extent to which civilian lives and property are protected. He added that maintaining the trust and confidence of citizens is crucial to achieving lasting operational success. The Nigerian Air Force has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening civilian protection and improving transparency in military operations. Aneke expressed confidence that the seminar would deepen discussions on best practices and practical approaches to reducing civilian harm while maintaining operational effectiveness in ongoing security operations across the country. The Nigerian military has faced criticism over reports of civilian casualties during some counterinsurgency air operations, particularly in the North-East and North-West. While the military has often attributed such incidents to faulty intelligence, mistaken identity, or the complex nature of operations against insurgents embedded within civilian populations, rights groups and affected communities have repeatedly called for greater accountability and measures to protect non-combatants.