The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to protecting civilian lives and preventing collateral damage during military operations.
Speaking on Thursday during his first strategic meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and senior officers at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, Aneke said the approach reflects President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a more disciplined, efficient, and people-centered military.
“We will continue to work closely with sister services and other security agencies to root out terrorism, eliminate threats, and deny safe haven to all adversaries of our nation,” he said.
Aneke stressed that the Air Force would deepen civil-military relations by engaging communities and maintaining a people-focused operational approach.
“Protecting civilian lives and preventing collateral damage will remain a defining hallmark of our professionalism and operational discipline,” he added.
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He explained that the strategic session was aimed at reviewing the service’s current posture, identifying operational gaps, and developing strategies to enhance effectiveness.
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He also reminded the officers that their appointments were based on merit, competence, and service needs.
Reiterating his commitment to fully implementing the president’s instructions, the Air Chief said every decision under his leadership would prioritize operations and safety.
“The aspirations of millions of Nigerians rest, in part, on what we do here on how effectively we carry out our duties and safeguard the territorial integrity of our country. Let me be clear: we will not disappoint them. Mr President has given clear and express directives, and ladies and gentlemen, those directives will be implemented to the letter. There will be no ambiguity in our posture. The time for action is now and we will deliver,” he stated.
Aneke expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and formally declared the meeting open.
The Nigerian Air Force has, in recent years, come under scrutiny following incidents of accidental airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties during counterterrorism operations issues that have prompted calls for improved accountability and precision in air campaigns.
