The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has made history by unveiling its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMRAP), a groundbreaking policy designed to minimize civilian harm during air operations.
CHMRAP was launched during the NAF’s 61st Anniversary Seminar in Abuja, and it reflects NAF’s commitment to precision, accountability, and respect for human life in conflict zones.
While unveiling the document on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025 at the NAF Officers’ Mess and Suites, Kado, Abuja, the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, who was represented by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla urged them to sustain various efforts and cooperation with the civil populace.
The Defence minister commended NAF for the theme adopted for this seminar: “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for enhanced air operations, is particularly relevant in today’s world.
“I must say that we are particularly impressed by the giant strides you are making and repeat the good trust and understanding with our civil populace, including the local communities.
“Your focus on harmonious civil relations is really the way to go, and such efforts are crucial to the success of our air operations as well as other forms of engagement to end the millions of insurgency, banditry and other criminal activities that have been detrimental in this country. By building such trust, we can gather intelligence, respond effectively to security threats and promote peace and stability.
“To further strengthen its capacity and give direction to NAF civil military relations activities, the Nigerian Air Force Civil Military Relations Policy was promulgated to streamline the modalities of interfacing and relating with ministries, departments and agencies, civil society groups, non-governmental and faith-based organizations, as well as the general civilian population.
In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized that the bold initiative formalizes the force operational values and reinforces its dedication to democratic ideals and the protection of civilians.
The seminar featured keynote addresses, expert lectures, and engaging discussions aimed at strengthening civil-military relations for more humane and effective air operations.
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