ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA HOSTS US EMBASSY’S CIVILIAN HARM MITIGATION RESPONSE TEAM

ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA HOSTS US EMBASSY’S CIVILIAN HARM MITIGATION RESPONSE TEAM

……….Focuses on Strengthening Collaboration and Sharing Best Practices in Mitigating Civilian Harm

By: Our Reporter

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on December 11, 2024, hosted a delegation from the Office of Security Cooperation (OSC) and the United States Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Team. The interactive session, held at the College’s Conference Room in Asokoro, Abuja, was aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and building institutional capacity for addressing civilian harm during military operations.

In his opening remarks, the Commandant AWCN, Major General Ishaya Maina emphasized the importance of such engagements in improving operational outcomes while ensuring adherence to international humanitarian principles. “As a premier military institution tasked with advancing military professionalism and strategic thinking, the AWCN is committed to integrating civilian harm mitigation into our operational doctrines. This engagement allows us to exchange ideas and leverage international best practices to protect civilian lives during military operations,” he stated.

The Commandant reiterated AWCN’s commitment to fostering trust, promoting education, and developing institutional frameworks that uphold civilian safety.

He further highlighted the significance of partnerships in addressing contemporary security challenges. “Today’s security environment is complex and demands collaborative approaches. By engaging with strategic partners like the OSC and the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Team, we are not only strengthening our mutual ties but also ensuring that our forces remain effective and humane in their operations,” the Commandant added.

The Team Leader of the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Team Mr Larry Lewis expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended AWCN for its proactive stance on civilian protection. “The Army War College Nigeria is demonstrating a forward-thinking approach by prioritizing training and strategies that safeguard civilian populations during operations,” he said.

The event ended with a presentation of souvenir, signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph, marking another significant milestone in AWCN’s efforts to align with global best practices and strengthen its strategic partnerships.

ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA HOSTS US EMBASSY’S CIVILIAN HARM MITIGATION RESPONSE TEAM