Civilian trust central pillar of NAF’s operational strategy - CAS
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has emphasized that building trust with civilians is a central pillar of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational strategy. The
- From Musa Umar Bologi, Abuja
The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has emphasized that building trust with civilians is a central pillar of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) operational strategy.
The CAS said this on Tuesday at the Civil-Military Relations Conference 2026, organized by the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF, with the theme: Leveraging Civil-Military Relations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency.
Air Marshal Aneke said intelligence-driven operations, coupled with strategic communication and community engagement, are key to safeguarding lives while achieving operational objectives.
He added that operational success is no longer measured solely by military might, but rather by the ability to protect civilians and foster confidence in the NAF activities.
“In today’s complex security environment, 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.
“When citizens trust us, they become a force multiplier, providing physical intelligence and strengthening our moral effectiveness,” Aneke said.
The CAS noted that strengthening relationships with civil populations aligns with his Command Philosophy of building a professional, agile, and people-centred Air Force anchored on precision, accountability, and strategic effectiveness.
He said the NAF had deliberately repositioned civil–military relations as a key operational enabler through enhanced community engagement, institutionalised feedback mechanisms, and strengthened strategic communication across operational theatres.
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The CAS noted that these initiatives are designed to ensure that NAF operations remain effective, responsible, and transparent.
The NAF chief said the approval of compensation for victims of the accidental airstrike in Sokoto, as well as the execution of Special Intervention Projects in Kwara, Rivers, Delta, Kano, and Akwa Ibom States, including medical outreaches and infrastructure support, demonstrated the service’s commitment to accountability and compassion, and have further strengthened public trust and cooperation.
He underscored the importance of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the integration of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies such as strategic communication and community engagement.
The CAS charged participants to generate practical and actionable recommendations that would further enhance the NAF’s civil-military initiatives that are geared towards upholding the highest standards of human dignity.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support of the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the President’s leadership has provided the necessary resources and strategic direction for the Service to effectively fulfil its mandate.
The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabwet, noted that the establishment of the Civil–Military Relations Branch in July 2024 was part of deliberate efforts to strengthen community engagement, ensure human rights compliance, and enhance perception management.
He said that the Civil-Military Relations Branch has recorded some major achievements under the current Chief of Air Staff.
“These achievements include the “articulation of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan to enhance Nigerian Air Force's efforts at mitigating and responding to civilian harm resulting from air operations, establishment of the Civilian Harm Mitigation Department at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Center, and a digital platform designed to enable civilians and personnel to lodge complaints through a confidential and streamlined process,” Gabwet said.
