By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has stated that operational success in modern warfare now goes beyond kinetic dominance to include building trust, fostering cooperation, and integrating the human dimension into air operations.
Air Marshal Aneke made this known at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Civil–Military Relations Conference 2026 held on March 24, 2026, with the theme “Leveraging Civil-Military Relations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency.” He stressed that strong relationships with civilian populations have become critical to achieving mission success in today’s complex security environment.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS noted that the approach aligns with his command philosophy of building a professional, agile, and people-centred Air Force anchored on precision, accountability, and strategic effectiveness.
He disclosed that the NAF has repositioned civil–military relations as a key operational enabler through enhanced community engagement, institutionalised feedback mechanisms, and strengthened strategic communication across operational theatres.
According to him, these measures are aimed at ensuring that NAF operations remain effective, transparent, and responsible.
Highlighting the Service’s commitment to accountability and compassion, the CAS cited the approval of compensation for victims of the accidental airstrike in Sokoto. He also referenced Special Intervention Projects executed in Kwara, Rivers, Delta, Kano, and Akwa Ibom States, including medical outreaches and infrastructure support, as part of efforts to strengthen public trust and cooperation.
Air Marshal Aneke further underscored the importance of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration, and the integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies such as strategic communication and community engagement. He urged participants to come up with practical recommendations to deepen civil–military cooperation and enhance operational efficiency.
The CAS also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigerian Air Force, noting that the administration has provided the necessary resources and strategic direction for the Service to effectively carry out its mandate.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, emphasised the growing relevance of non-kinetic operations in modern air warfare. He explained 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 improve public perception.
He added that the Branch has implemented key initiatives, including the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, the establishment of a Civilian Harm Mitigation Department at the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, and the introduction of a digital complaints platform to enhance accountability and transparency.
The one-day conference brought together Civilian Harm Mitigation Desk Officers from NAF field commands and units, as well as key stakeholders from the civil space. It featured the presentation of papers such as “Civil–Military Relations and Perception Management: NAF in Focus” by Professor Okey Ikechukwu, and “Leveraging Civil–Military Relations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency” by retired Air Vice Marshal JD Gwani.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace, senior NAF officers, former Nigerian Army spokesperson Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd), and former NAF spokespersons Air Commodore Ozomata Ozomina, Air Commodore Dele Alonge (rtd), and Air Vice Marshal AK Famuyiwa.
admin