Air Force Chief Declares Trust and Cooperation as New Pillars of Operational Success
Chief of Air Force Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has announced that operational success in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is no longer determined solely by kinetic dominance. Instead, it hinges on building trust, fostering cooperation, and integrating the human dimension into air operations. This statement was made at the Nigerian Air Force Civil–Military Relations Conference 2026, held yesterday under the theme “Leveraging Civil-Military Relations for Enhanced Operational Efficiency.”
Repositioning Civil-Military Relations as a Key Enabler
Aneke disclosed that the NAF has deliberately repositioned civil–military relations as a critical operational enabler. This strategic shift involves enhanced community engagement, institutionalized feedback mechanisms, and strengthened strategic communication across all operational theatres. The initiatives are designed to ensure that NAF operations remain effective, responsible, and transparent, moving beyond traditional military tactics to embrace a more holistic approach.
Compensation and Special Projects to Strengthen Public Trust
In a significant move to bolster public confidence, the air chief revealed that compensation has been approved for victims of the accidental airstrike in Sokoto. Additionally, Special Intervention Projects are being executed in Kwara, Rivers, Delta, Kano, and Akwa Ibom States. These projects include medical outreaches and infrastructure support, aimed at further strengthening public trust and cooperation with local communities.
Emphasis on Intelligence-Driven and Collaborative Strategies
Aneke stressed the importance of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration in modern warfare. He highlighted the integration of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, such as strategic communication and community engagement, as essential for achieving long-term security goals. This approach marks a departure from reliance on force alone, focusing instead on building sustainable relationships with civilians.
Growing Importance of Non-Kinetic Operations in Air Warfare
Earlier at the conference, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, underscored the growing significance of non-kinetic operations in contemporary air warfare. Gabkwet noted 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 enhance perception management within the NAF.
HURIWA Applauds Defence Ministry's Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Nigerian Ministry of Defence for implementing a national C4I programme valued at over $190 million to support the counter-terrorism war. The group has called for active support for the broad-based national security agenda of the Minister of Defence, General Chris Gwabin Musa, which aims to provide effective and efficient security for citizens' lives and property.
Support for Civil Society Partnership in North-East
HURIWA also endorsed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for publicly urging civil society in the North-East to partner with security forces to eradicate terrorism. The group emphasized that terrorists often hide among affected communities, which have been devastated by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, largely drawn from indigenous communities in the region. HURIWA's National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that this call for collaboration is a crucial step towards eliminating terrorist threats.
Opposition to Terrorist Reintegration Programme
However, HURIWA expressed opposition to any reintegration programme for terrorists, recommending instead the total liquidation, decimation, and degradation of terrorist elements. This stance highlights the ongoing debate between rehabilitation and forceful elimination in counter-terrorism strategies.
