By Bavoriat Clara
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its civil–military cooperation efforts through a new round of strategic engagements with key national institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the initiative aligns with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to promote intelligence-led, accountable and technologically driven operations across all NAF formations.
As part of these engagements, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, led visits aimed at reinforcing accountability mechanisms, improving intelligence-driven decision-making, and strengthening the integration of human rights principles into air operations.
During the visit to the NHRC, Executive Secretary Dr Tony Ojukwu praised the NAF for what he described as “bold and necessary steps” to enhance civilian protection. He highlighted the Service’s improved post-strike assessment systems, strengthened accountability structures and broader efforts to embed human rights standards into military operations. Dr Ojukwu called for the revival of the NHRC–Military Dialogue to deepen collaboration and ensure transparent handling of allegations.
At NAPTIP and the DPP, AVM Gabkwet met with NAPTIP Director General Binta Adamu Bello and the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar Babadoko, to explore expanded cooperation in protecting vulnerable populations, improving prosecution processes, strengthening case management involving military personnel, and advancing joint training programmes to enhance legal awareness and operational discipline.
AVM Gabkwet reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to conduct precise and intelligence-led operations in line with national values and global best practices. “Our operations must protect the people we serve. Precision must match restraint, and force must be guided by intelligence, legality and accountability,” he said.
The delegation included senior officers responsible for human rights, legal coordination, gender affairs and inter-agency relations, underscoring the Service’s commitment to long-term institutional collaboration.
According to the statement, the renewed partnerships are part of ongoing efforts to transform the Nigerian Air Force into a force defined by operational excellence, strengthened accountability and enhanced civilian protection.
admin