Civilian casualty allegations undermine air operations’ legitimacy — CAS warns

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has warned that allegations of civilian casualties during military air operations could undermine mission legitimacy, public confidence and the reputation of the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for Strategic Level Officers.

He said while the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to professional and responsible air operations, incidents whether confirmed or alleged, continue to highlight the need for stronger application of civilian protection principles.

According to him, such allegations have far-reaching implications for trust in the military both locally and internationally.

“These incidents, whether verified or alleged, have far-reaching ramifications on mission legitimacy, public confidence and relationship with our stakeholders, both domestic and foreign,” he said.

The air chief stressed that operational success should not only be measured by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives and property.

“As we continue to confront complex and asymmetric security threats across the various theatres of operation, it has become increasingly evident that operational success can no longer be measured solely by tactical achievements but by the extent to which civilian lives and properties are protected,” he said.

Aneke noted that maintaining public trust remains essential for sustaining long-term operational effectiveness, adding that the Nigerian Air Force had taken steps to institutionalise civilian harm mitigation mechanisms.

He said the seminar was designed to improve the understanding of strategic-level officers whose decisions shape operational outcomes and institutional responses.

According to him, civilian harm mitigation should not be seen as a constraint on military operations but as a framework that enhances precision, accountability and effectiveness.

“Civilian harm mitigation and response is not a constraint on our operational effectiveness; rather, it is a framework that enhances precision, improves decision-making, and ultimately preserves strategic legitimacy,” he said.

Aneke urged commanders to strengthen target verification processes and ensure thorough assessment of operational outcomes, particularly in complex theatres of operation.

He added that where civilian harm occurs, the response must reflect professionalism, honesty and responsibility.

The air chief expressed confidence that the seminar would deepen understanding of best practices in reducing civilian harm while sustaining operational effectiveness across the country’s security operations.