• Police train spokespersons on behavioural change, other tactics
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has inaugurated a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Board to strengthen the protection of civilians during military operations.

The new body is charged with leading the implementation of the Force’s Civilian Harm Mitigation Action Plan (CHMR-AP), a framework that underscores NAF’s commitment to international humanitarian law and operational accountability.

The development was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the board’s inaugural meeting took place on July 8.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Hasan Abubakar, represented by Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Ibikunle Daramola, reaffirmed the force’s dedication to safeguarding civilians caught in the crossfire of armed conflicts.

He said the NAF remains resolute in conducting its missions with precision, accountability, and a strong sense of humanity.

The CAS pledged that the NAF will continue to adapt its strategies to minimise civilian harm and embed protection into the core of its air power doctrine.

The CHMR Board has been given a broad mandate to drive the implementation of the CHMR Action Plan across the entire NAF structure, including in joint operations with other branches of the armed forces.

Abubakar pointed out that the success of the initiative would depend on prompt coordination at all levels of the force.

RELATEDLY, the Nigeria Police Force has partnered with CLEEN Foundation to train its Public Relations Officers on combating misinformation and preventing gender-based violence.

The initiative, which marks the second phase of a specialised capacity-building programme, kicked off in Lagos with a focus on equipping police spokespersons with modern communication tools and behavioural change strategies for effective public engagement.

According to Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the focus is on Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) and strategies for preventing gender-based violence.

Declaring the training open on behalf of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Oluhundare Jimoh Moshood, highlighted the strategic importance of communication in modern policing.