✕ CLOSE Online Special City News Entrepreneurship Environment Factcheck Everything Woman Home Front Islamic Forum Life Xtra Property Travel & Leisure Viewpoint Vox Pop Women In Business Art and Ideas Bookshelf Labour Law Letters
Click Here To Listen To Trust Radio Live

USIP calls for civilian harm mitigation plan in military operations

The Country Director of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Dr Chris Kwaja, has called for the urgent need for a civilian harm mitigation response plan in Nigeria’s military operations to prevent unnecessary civilian casualties.

Speaking with Daily Trust, Dr Kwaja expressed concern over the frequent military mishaps that result in civilian deaths, stressing that a structured mitigation plan would provide clarity on deployment strategies, target identification, collateral damage management, and community preparedness.

He said such a plan must incorporate human rights, humanitarian, and public safety components within the broader framework of civil-military relations.

SPONSOR AD

“If you want to win the hearts and minds of the citizens, then they should also be carried along in planning. Sometimes, civilian populations are taken unawares, and once that happens, casualties increase,” he said.

The USIP country director acknowledged the complexities of military operations, including instances where civilians serve as informants for criminal groups or are used as human shields. He, however, maintained that such realities do not justify indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations and called for due diligence in population assessments to minimise civilian harm and uphold human rights.

Dr Kwaja dismissed the notion of concerns about operational compromises if civilians are involved in military planning, arguing that trust is the key factor. “If the civilian population trusts the military, there won’t be a compromise. If the military trusts the civilian population, there won’t be a compromise,” he stressed, adding that breaches in military operations often stem from internal leaks rather than civilian engagement.

He highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s Department of Civil-Military Affairs in fostering trust between the military and civilians and called for a maximisation of the department’s potential in strengthening relationships and reducing mistrust.

When asked about the feasibility of implementing a civilian harm mitigation plan in Nigeria, given systemic challenges, he argued that strong political will and clear enforcement mechanisms, including sanctions for non-compliance, are critical to ensuring adherence to mitigation strategies.

He pointed out that many nations have already adopted robust civilian harm mitigation policies that clearly outline operational procedures, responsibilities, and accountability measures.

 

Sponsored

Discover the latest trends on Temu! Shop mobile phones, fashion, beauty, home essentials & more. Start exploring now!


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Unlock AI's potential! Get top prompts for content, blogs, social media, research, draft proposals and more. Boost creativity start using AI tools today!


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Start Affiliate Marketing Today! Learn step-by-step how to set up a blog, find programs, create links, and earn money—beginner-friendly guide inside!


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Join our FREE WEBINAR! Discover the 3-step formula to turn WhatsApp into a cash-generating machine. Sign up now and start earning!"


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Master Facebook Ads! Learn to set up Business Manager, run campaigns, optimize budgets, and drive sales. Start your journey to ad success today!"


Click here to learn how it works.

Sponsored

Unlock your confidence and attract the love you deserve! Learn how to become irresistible to women—start your transformation today!"


Click here to learn how it works.

Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.