The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States Government on Tuesday, reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing joint operational effectiveness through smarter firepower delivery and stronger civilian protection, the NAF has said in a statement.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that this renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit by a delegation from the United States Institute of Security Governance, led by retired Major General Miguel Castellanos, to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the ongoing Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, supported by the United States, has significantly improved the NAF’s ability to deliver precision firepower in support of ground operations while reducing risks to civilians.
He stressed that the programme is central to achieving synergy across the Services and embedding global best practices in Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM).
He said: “The Air-Ground Integration programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower at the right place and at the right time with precision. Beyond enhancing synergy, it reinforces our commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. The technical and advisory support provided by the United States has been instrumental in making this progress possible.”
In response, Major General Castellanos noted that Nigeria has become a regional leader in advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation.
He assured that the United States would continue to provide technical support, training, and expertise to sustain and expand the gains of the AGI programme.
General Castellanos said, “What we are developing together is more than operational capability; it is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations. Nigeria’s leadership in embedding Civilian Harm Mitigation into military operations sets a strong example for the region, and the United States is proud to stand as a partner in this endeavour”.
The NAF spokesperson noted that the visit reaffirmed the deepening of Nigeria–US partnership, with both sides committing to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration, and civilian protection.
These, he said, are cornerstones of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations.
Linus Aleke
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