Abuja: In a significant step towards minimising harm to non-combatants, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising civilian protection during military operations. This was demonstrated with the hosting of the Civilian Harm Mitigation Seminar organised by the DHQ in conjunction with the US Institute for Security Governance, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole, emphasised during the seminar’s closing remarks the paramount importance of civilian protection in military operations. Bankole stated that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, places a high premium on safeguarding civilians, making it a top priority in all military engagements.
Bankole highlighted the critical nature of civilian mitigation in current operations, especially given Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency over the past 15 years, primarily in densely populated civilian areas. He noted the unfortunate circumstances where civilians are often caught in the crossfire or used as collateral damage, stressing the human-centric approach mandated by the CDS.
The seminar, jointly organised with the US Institute for Security Governance, aimed to educate and sensitise military personnel on civilian harm mitigation. The two-day intensive training focused on sharing lessons learned for the Armed Forces of Nigeria to enhance their understanding and implementation of civilian protection measures.
Bankole also mentioned that this initiative is closely aligned with the CDS’s commitment to ensuring no discrimination against civilians. Participants from various theatres of operations and services attended the course to learn about the necessity of protecting civilians and infrastructure while maintaining the country’s territorial integrity.
The DHQ has reportedly strengthened its non-kinetic efforts by collaborating with local communities to address terrorism and other security threats effectively. Bankole expressed gratitude to the US experts for their impactful training and urged participants to apply their newfound knowledge in achieving military operational goals.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Miguel Castellanos, Country Lead of the US Institute for Security Government (ISG), reiterated that civilian harm mitigation requires a joint effort from all branches of the military. He encouraged enhanced cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to leverage their strengths for successful operations. Castellanos affirmed the organisation’s ongoing commitment to partnering with the Nigerian military to bolster its capabilities in various areas.