The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has restated its commitment to the protection of civilians across all theatres of operation, in line with its mission to remain a people-focused and mission-ready force.
This reaffirmation was made by Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), as part of his strategic directive to deepen civil-military relations and uphold international humanitarian law in all NAF operations.
This was contained in a statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters.
Highlighting the protection of civilian lives and property as a strategic priority in ongoing counterinsurgency and counter-banditry operations, the Air Chief tasked the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (CCMR), Ibikunle Daramola, with leading a high-level engagement with the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, which is actively operating in the North West region.
During the visit to frontline troops, Daramola commended the personnel for their recent string of tactical successes, describing them as a reflection of the CAS’s transformational leadership and strategic foresight.
He stressed that NAF operations must continue to employ precision targeting and uphold operational accountability to maintain the confidence of the Nigerian people.
“Every action we take must demonstrate not only tactical efficiency but also strategic empathy. The enduring trust of the people remains the Nigerian Air Force’s most potent force multiplier”, Daramola told the troops.
He further emphasised the critical role of community cooperation in operational success, calling on citizens to support NAF efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence to help neutralise criminal elements threatening national security.
“This is the people’s Air Force. We are here to protect them. But to be truly effective, we need their trust and partnership”, he said.
Earlier, Garba Jibia, Air Component Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Sector 2, welcomed the visit and described it as a morale booster for the troops.
He noted that it signaled strong leadership support from the highest levels of the Air Force and reinforced the strategic importance of their mission.
According to the statement, the engagement underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s continued efforts to blend kinetic military action with non-kinetic initiatives such as community engagement and civil-military cooperation.
It also highlights the Service’s adherence to global best practices, including the principles of international humanitarian law, even as it escalates efforts to tackle insurgency and banditry.
