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

Aneke gave the assurance 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 Air Force 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 its 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 was convened to assess the force’s current posture, identify gaps, and review measures to enhance effectiveness.

He told the senior officers that their appointments were based on merit, competence, and operational needs, stressing that the service would implement the president’s directives without compromise.

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 gratitude to the president for the confidence reposed in him and officially declared the meeting open. (Nigerian Tribune)