Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said civilian protection has become a central consideration in the planning and execution of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operations.

Aneke stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a seminar on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for strategic-level officers, organised by the Civil Military Relations Branch.

He called for improved target verification and operational discipline in complex security environments.

Aneke said that modern warfare required a shift in mindset, stressing that success in operations was no longer defined only by battlefield outcomes but also by the protection of civilian lives.

“The environment we operate in is dynamic and complex. We must adapt continuously if we are to remain effective,” he said.

The CAS said personnel must strengthen intelligence validation, planning processes, and post-operation assessments to reduce avoidable civilian harm.

He added that civilian harm mitigation was not a limitation to operational effectiveness but a strategic enabler that improves precision, accountability and decision-making.

According to him, incidents arising from military operations—whether confirmed or alleged—have significant implications for public trust and institutional legitimacy.

Aneke said the seminar was designed to deepen strategic-level understanding of civilian harm mitigation principles and equip senior officers with practical tools for decision-making in fast-changing operational contexts.

He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and accountability, noting that the operational environment remains unpredictable and demands professionalism under pressure.

Earlier, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said the seminar marked a significant milestone in strengthening professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilians in air and joint operations.

Gabkwet described the forum as the first of its kind in the NAF at the strategic level, aimed at deepening institutional understanding of civilian harm mitigation and response.

He noted that contemporary security operations were increasingly complex, with civilians often present in operational environments, making it imperative for personnel to adopt deliberate measures to minimise harm.

According to him, effective civilian harm mitigation requires collaboration among military, paramilitary and civilian stakeholders, stressing that it cannot be achieved in isolation.

“This seminar provides a platform for reflection, learning and honest conversations on how we conduct operations in civilian-populated environments,” he said.

He added that the initiative reflected the NAF’s commitment to evolving in line with modern operational realities and global best practices.

The seminar brought together senior military officers, security stakeholders and subject matter experts to discuss strategies for minimising civilian harm while enhancing operational effectiveness.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

Troops of Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 31 kidnapped victims, neutralized five terrorists and dismantled several terrorists camps in a series of coordinated operations across Zamfara and Katsina States

In Zamfara State, troops rescued 31 kidnapped victims around the Bagega–Kawaye axis in Anka Local Government Area of the State.

The kidnapped victims were rescued from captivity following a precision air interdiction conducted by the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma and a follow on ground operation on terrorist enclaves west of Bagega Forest.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.  Olaniyi Osoba made available to newsmen.

According the statement, the rescued individuals, who had spent several weeks in captivity, were identified as indigenes of Maga, Gummi, Zuru, Wasugu, Bukuyyum and Anka LGAs across Zamfara and Sokoto States, saying that the victims were provided medical support and will be reunited with their respective families.

In a separate operation in Zamfara, troops made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Gidan Dan Jaja axis where troops neutralized 2 terrorists and destroyed identified terrorist camps. Troops also recovered several fabricated rifles and four motorcycles used by the criminals.

The statement added that in Katsina State, troops intercepted terrorists in transit at Ruwan Godiya axis and Sayaya Road in Matazu LGA who were in transit for an imminent attack.

“Following a fierce firefight, troops neutralized three terrorists’ recovered motorcycles and some quantities of ammunition. One of the terrorists neutralized was later identified as a foot soldier of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammad Fulani.  Rifles and motorcycles were recovered from the 2 encounters”, the statement added

It said that Operation Fansan Yamma remains resolute in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens across the North West region.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday ordered troops to intensify ongoing offensives against bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening peace and security across parts of the country, particularly in the North Central region.

Speaking during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters of Joint Task Force North Central Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Kwara State, the Army Chief charged troops to sustain aggressive clearance operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and denying armed groups freedom of action.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, stressing that troops must remain resolute in restoring peace and stability across affected communities.

He disclosed that Army Headquarters was deploying additional combat enablers and operational resources to strengthen ongoing operations in Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS also reiterated his commitment to the welfare, professional development and operational effectiveness of officers and soldiers, describing troop welfare as critical to maintaining high morale and combat readiness.

At an Eid-el-Kabir luncheon held for troops at Forward Operational Base Giwa in Kaduna State, Shaibu commended personnel deployed across various theatres of operation for their courage, resilience and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.

Represented by the Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters, Major General Isa Abdullahi, the COAS assured troops that the Nigerian Army was intensifying efforts to improve accommodation, medical care, educational support for personnel’s children and other welfare packages.

He also paid tribute to fallen heroes who lost their lives in defence of the nation, assuring their families of continued institutional support and recognition.

Shaibu urged troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government, while also appreciating President Bola Tinubu for sustained support to the Armed Forces.

In Kaduna, the Commander of Sub-Sector 6, Forward Operational Base Giwa, Colonel Adamu Wase, disclosed that sustained kinetic and non-kinetic operations, backed by collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, had significantly degraded criminal activities within the area.

According to him, there is currently no bandit or violent extremist camp within the Sub-Sector 6 Area of Operations.

Military commanders in both Kwara and Kaduna states commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and continued support toward improving operational capacity and troop morale.