Nigerian Air Force Enhances Measures to Strengthen Civilian Protection Measures
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the protection of civilians in conflict areas by inaugurating a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Board.
According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame the board will lead the implementation of the NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation Action Plan (CHMR-AP), reflecting the NAF’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and embedding accountability in air operations.
In addition, the board will drive the execution of the CHMR-AP across the NAF’s organizational structure, including joint operational environments.
The board will identify, compile, and assess data on civilian harm incidents, conduct harm assessments, analyze patterns and trends, and monitor implementation progress.
The NAF aims to reduce the risk of civilian casualties, foster greater public trust, and operational transparency through this initiative.
Speaking, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar noted,”We must ensure that our air operations do not compromise the safety of the very people we are sworn to protect. Every innocent life matters.”
Objective of the CHMR Board is to protect civilians, ensure that the NAF’s commitment to civilian protection is translated into measurable action, foster greater public trust and operational transparency.
The establishment of the CHMR Board is a critical institutional step towards ensuring that the NAF’s air operations are conducted with precision, accountability, and humanity.
The NAF aims to balance operational effectiveness with ethical responsibility, reinforcing its mission to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law.
