In a move aimed at tightening air-ground coordination in the North-West, the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division has established a new strategic partnership with the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC). The initiative seeks to enhance joint operations and improve responsiveness against terrorist and bandit threats in the region.
The partnership was formalized during a courtesy visit by AWDC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, to the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Bemgba Koughna, in Sokoto on Thursday.
Major General Koughna welcomed the collaboration, praising Air Vice Marshal Jibia for his “distinguished career and leadership across multiple command roles”. He assured that the division would provide “full support and proactive cooperation” to strengthen joint operations.
“Dialogue and collaboration are essential in addressing shared operational challenges,” Koughna said.
Air Vice Marshal Jibia congratulated the GOC on his appointment and expressed confidence that the partnership would “drive meaningful improvements in the North-West’s security landscape”. He highlighted that many personnel remain unfamiliar with the AWDC’s mandate, which includes reviewing and developing Nigerian Air Force doctrine, enhancing operational competence, and fostering joint operations through integrated exercises.
“Our goal is to refine doctrine, improve air-ground and drone integration, and ensure these concepts translate into practical support for frontline troops”, Jibia explained.
He emphasized that effective air-ground coordination is critical for deploying air power efficiently, particularly in regions where ground forces face mobile terrorist and bandit threats requiring rapid aerial support.
Security analysts note that closer interoperability between Army ground units and Air Force assets has become increasingly vital, as non-state armed groups adopt evasive tactics, disperse into forested areas, and move quickly across state borders.
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