Air chief pledges to protect Nigerians during military operation

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has pledged that the Nigerian Air Force will prioritise the safety of civilians and avoid collateral damage during its operations.

Aneke made the commitment on Thursday during his maiden meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and other senior officers at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

He said the directive aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s expectations for the military, adding that the service will focus on operational efficiency, safety and professionalism.

“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.

According to him, the Air Force will strengthen civil-military relations by engaging with communities and ensuring that operations remain people-focused.

“Protecting civilian lives and preventing collateral damage will remain a defining hallmark of our professionalism and operational discipline,” he added.

Aneke said the strategic meeting would assess the force’s current posture, identify gaps and review measures to enhance effectiveness.

He told the senior officers that their appointments were made based on merit, competence and operational needs.

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The Air Chief also pledged commitment to implementing the president’s directives to the letter, stating that every decision of the leadership would revolve around operations and safety.

He said, “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.”

The Air Chief expressed appreciation to the president for the confidence reposed in him and declared the meeting open.

In recent years, the Nigerian Air Force has faced public scrutiny over accidental airstrikes that led to civilian casualties during counter-terrorism operations.

These incidents triggered calls from civil society organisations and community leaders for greater accountability and improved operational precision.

Aneke’s remarks signalled a shift toward precision-led and community-sensitive air operations.