Abuja, NIGERIA, June 3, 2025 – Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) welcomes the Nigerian Air Force’s recent announcement of a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan, which marks an important commitment to take tangible steps to minimize harm to civilians from aerial operations.

“We applaud efforts by Nigerian military leaders to protect civilians, especially amid mounting security challenges. This is a promising step to take concrete measures to prevent civilian harm,” said Vianney Bisimwa, Africa and MENA Program Director at CIVIC.

Focusing on preventing civilian harm from airstrikes is a promising step to institutionalize protection of civilians practices in Nigeria’s military. It has become clear that a pattern of airstrikes harming civilians—often due to misidentification and air-to-ground integration challenges—requires a concerted effort to identify practical solutions.

We encourage all security forces in Nigeria to follow the example set by the Air Force. Sustained, consistent progress in the protection of civilians will require a policy framework that builds on the Action Plan and connects it to parallel efforts among other security forces in the country. To that end, CIVIC reiterates its call for a national Protection of Civilians Policy in Nigeria applicable to all security forces. Ongoing reviews of national policy frameworks offer a key opportunity to elevate protection of civilians and coordinate efforts among security forces.

CIVIC is ready to support Nigeria in implementing the policy and to promote the development of parallel efforts.

“The ultimate test of any policy framework is how well it delivers results for civilians,” Bisimwa said.

CIVIC in Nigeria

Since 2018, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) has engaged with communities, the military, and community militias in the northeast to improve the protection of civilians. Recognizing that civilians are the best agents of their own protection, CIVIC supports civilians to advocate for their protection, including with state and non-state security forces. In parallel, CIVIC provides training and advice to Nigerian security forces to further their efforts to better protect civilians.

For additional information or media inquiries, please contact:

CIVIC’s global media team: [email protected]