Civil Trust, Not Just Firepower, Now Defines Military Success – CAS
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has declared that success in modern military operations now goes beyond the use of force, stressing the importance of trust, cooperation, and human engagement in achieving lasting security outcomes.
Speaking at the Nigerian Air Force Civil–Military Relations Conference 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday, the CAS said, “Operational success is no longer defined solely by kinetic dominance, but by our ability to build trust, foster cooperation, and integrate the human dimension into air operations.”
Addressing participants on the theme “Leveraging Civil-Military Relations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency,” Aneke noted that strengthening ties with civilian populations has become a decisive factor in mission success, particularly in today’s complex and evolving security landscape. He explained that this approach aligns with his command philosophy of building a professional, agile, and people-centred Air Force anchored on precision, accountability, and strategic effectiveness.
The CAS revealed that the Nigerian Air Force has repositioned civil–military relations as a core operational tool through sustained community engagement, structured feedback systems, and enhanced strategic communication across operational theatres.
Highlighting efforts to boost accountability and public trust, Aneke cited the approval of compensation for victims of the Sokoto accidental airstrike, alongside several Special Intervention Projects executed in states including Kwara, Rivers, Delta, Kano, and Akwa Ibom. These initiatives, he said, include medical outreaches and infrastructure support aimed at strengthening relationships with host communities.
He further emphasised the need for intelligence-led operations, improved inter-agency collaboration, and the integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies such as communication and community engagement. The CAS urged stakeholders to generate actionable recommendations that will deepen partnerships between the military and civil institutions.
Aneke also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Air Force, noting that the administration’s backing has enhanced the Service’s operational capacity and strategic direction.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, underscored the increasing relevance of non-kinetic approaches in modern warfare. He explained that the establishment of the Civil–Military Relations Branch in July 2024 was part of efforts to improve community engagement, ensure human rights compliance, and strengthen perception management.
According to him, the branch has rolled out key initiatives, including a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, the creation of a dedicated department at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, and the launch of a digital complaints platform to enhance transparency and accountability.
The one-day conference brought together Civilian Harm Mitigation Desk Officers from NAF field commands, alongside stakeholders from academia, the military, and the media.
Presentations at the event included papers by Okey Ikechukwu and retired Air Vice Marshal JD Gwani, focusing on perception management and operational efficiency through civil–military collaboration.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, as well as senior military officers and former spokespersons of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening trust between the military and civilian populations as a critical pillar for achieving sustainable peace and security in Nigeria.
