AWCN hosts U.S. team on civilian harm mitigation

● Focuses on strengthening collaboration and best practices

The Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on December 11, 2024 welcomed a delegation from the United States Office of Security Cooperation (OSC) and the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response (CHMR) Team at its Conference Room in Asokoro, Abuja.

The interactive session aimed to enhance collaboration, exchange best practices, and bolster institutional capacity for mitigating civilian harm during military operations.

In his opening remarks, AWCN Commandant, Major General Ishaya Maina, emphasized the value of integrating civilian harm mitigation into military doctrines.

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“As a leading military institution, AWCN is committed to aligning operational outcomes with international humanitarian principles. This engagement is an opportunity to share ideas and incorporate global best practices to safeguard civilian lives during military operations,” he said.

Major General Maina also underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing modern security challenges, highlighting the complexity of today’s security environment and the need for collaborative approaches.

Larry Lewis, Team Leader of the U.S. Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Team, praised AWCN’s proactive stance on civilian protection, describing the institution as forward-thinking for prioritizing strategies to safeguard civilian populations.

The session concluded with a presentation of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph, marking a significant step in AWCN’s efforts to enhance operational effectiveness while adhering to global standards in humanitarian practices.