ABUJA – The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has warned that recurring allegations of civilian casualties are undermining the legitimacy of air operations in the country.
Speaking at the Air Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the CAS stated that while the military remains committed to protecting civilians, unsubstantiated claims following airstrikes weaken public trust and embolden adversaries.
“Every civilian casualty allegation, whether true or false, erodes the moral high ground we hold,” Abubakar said. “It undermines our operational legitimacy and gives propaganda tools to terrorists and bandits.”
He urged the public and civil society groups to verify information before making accusations, while reaffirming that the Nigerian Air Force follows strict targeting protocols to avoid non-combatant deaths.
The CAS also announced the establishment of a independent investigative panel to probe all past and future allegations of civilian harm arising from air operations.
He called for stronger collaboration between the military and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and reduce the risk of collateral damage.
CDA News Nigeria
All rights reserved ©2026 CDA News Nigeria. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Privacy Policy: CDA News Nigeria is committed to protecting your privacy. We collect and use personal information solely for delivering news updates and improving your experience. Your data is never shared with third parties without explicit consent.
Contact: info@cdanews.ng | 348 Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State
