Officials of the United States Defense Institute of International Legal Studies on how to carry out military operations without harming civilians.

In a statement titled, ‘U.S. Conducts a Senior Leaders’ Seminar for Nigerian Air Force’, the US Mission said the Nigerian military officers were also trained on operational law.

The statement read, “From September 13 through September 17, the U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies traveled to Nigeria to conduct a Senior Leaders’ Seminar.

“This training course was designed to introduce Nigerian Air Force commanders to advanced topics in operational decision making, including a focus on improving civilian harm mitigation efforts in future military operations.

“The course included case studies and discussions from U.S. and other international military operations and was taught by U.S. civilian and military lawyers with years of experience in operational law and military justice.

“This course was included as a part of the A-29 Super Tucano sale as part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s “Total Package Approach” that includes not just hardware but spare parts, logistics, and training.

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“Although the course was originally intended for the handful of commanders that would operate with the A-29, the Nigerian Air Force sent 20 commanding officers to this course, including 7 General Officers and the Deputy Director of Legal Services. Because this course was the first of its kind, DIILS Director, CAPT Ian Wexler, traveled to oversee the event and meet the officers.

“DIILS is the lead Department of Defense security cooperation resource for global legal engagement and capacity-building with international defense sector officials.

“The DIILS instructors enjoyed a productive and professional interaction with the Nigerian officers and hope to continue this relationship and return for future engagements and courses.”

This is coming six days after The Nigerian Air Force began an investigation into fighter jet airstrike that allegedly killed civilians in ”Buhari village” in Yunusari Local Government Area of the state.