By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum delivered a keynote address at the Nigerian Air Force 61st Anniversary seminar tagged: “optimizing civil-military relations in a joint operational environment for enhanced air operation” which was held at the NAF Officers Mess and Suites on Tuesday 20 May 2025.
The seminar marks a series of events organized by NAF Headquarters to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the NAF. The seminar was chaired the Honourable Minister of Defence His Excellency Dr Muhammad Badaru Abubakar who was represented by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
Gov Zulum’s keynote paper titled: “civil-military relations as a force multiplier in national defence and security” was delivered by the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar.
Zulum stressed the imperatives of civil-military relations and interagency collaboration in the joint operational environment: the NAF working side-by-side with other military and security forces, pointing out that it must imbibe a culture of synergy and a deep consciousness of the perceptions, expectations and vulnerabilities of the host communities.
Gov Zulum said, “the country is grappling with protracted security challenges associated with terrorism, insurgency and banditry, amongst others. The effective resolution of these challenges requires an “all-of-society approach” in which all stakeholders including the military work in concert with civil society organizations and the rest of the civilian population to projects the nation’s power and national interest.”
” As the Governor of Borno State, I have learnt firsthand, the importance of collaboration and cooperation between the military and the civilian population in achieving security and stability. I have realised and optimally utilized the civic resources, popular consent and goodwill in driving public policy and project management,” Zulum added.
“On synergy between the Air Force, sister services and the civil population, the dynamics of contemporary security environments imply that effective air operations cannot be achieved in isolation.
“Therefore, integration of civil-military efforts is a fundamental principle towards optimizing operational effectiveness. Synergy between military authorities and civilian institutions fosters trust, cooperation, and intelligence-sharing, ultimately enhancing national security and stability. To optimize civil-military relations therefore, we must recognize the interdependence of our efforts,” Zulum said.
He recalled experience in Borno State, the epicenter of the Boko Haram Insurgency and counter-insurgency operations, to buttress the point about synergy and CMR.
“Borno State has, for a long time, been the epicenter of security challenges that have culminated in the prolonged deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets and military assets in general.
“The contributions of air power, as part and parcel of the paraphernalia of national power, in counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations have been invaluable in restoring peace to affected communities.
“However, I urge the Nigerian Air Force to complement its efforts with, joint planning and execution with other armed Services as well as embark on strong civil engagements for sustainable security outcomes,” Zulum said.
In attendance at the event were the Chief of Naval, Chief of Air Staff; former chiefs of defence staff, service chiefs and members of the national assembly committee on Air Force; Director of Air Force at the Federal Ministry of Defence; defence administrators; serving and retired senior military officers, academicians, development practitioners; members of the civil society organizations and the press among others.
Highlight of the event include the unveiling of NAF’s Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP), a policy plan for guiding tactical operations in fragile combat domains characterised by vulnerability, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA).
This policy plan demonstrates NAF’s commitment to minimizing and eliminating civilian casualties during air missions.
