ABUJA — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially launched a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), marking a significant step toward protecting civilians and strengthening public trust during military operations.
The action plan, unveiled on Monday in Abuja, outlines strategic measures aimed at preventing, mitigating, and responding to incidents of civilian harm that may occur during air operations across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized that the move aligns with global best practices in conflict management and underscores NAF’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of non-combatants.
“This plan is part of our deliberate efforts to institutionalize safeguards that protect innocent lives and minimize collateral damage, while ensuring our air operations remain effective and lawful,” Abubakar stated.
According to the NAF, the CHMR-AP includes improved operational planning, enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement protocols, post-strike assessments, and a dedicated civilian harm response unit.
The plan was developed in collaboration with international and local humanitarian organizations, civil society groups, and security experts. It is expected to complement broader national and regional security strategies while fostering civilian cooperation in conflict-prone areas.
Observers say the launch of the CHMR-AP reflects growing recognition of the human cost of conflict and the need for armed forces to uphold humanitarian norms, especially in the context of counterinsurgency and internal security operations.
NAF reiterated its appeal to the public and local communities to work closely with security forces, report suspicious activities, and help create safer environments for all Nigerians.
