The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Army to accelerate efforts to recalibrate operational strategies to counter the evolving security threats in Nigeria.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, stated this while delivering a lecture to participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025 on Friday in Abuja.
He delivered a lecture on the theme, “Military Strategic Leadership in Air Operations: My Perspective”.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Abubakar outlined NAF’s enhanced Concept of Operations (CONOPS), tailored to deliver decisive and synchronized effects in joint military campaigns.
According to him, a key feature of this recalibration is the seamless integration of manned and unmanned aerial platforms, enhanced communication systems, and real-time data links.
“This is to boost situational awareness and enable faster, precision-based decision-making.
“To enhance our CONOPS to address emerging security challenges, we will work towards seamless integration of both manned and unmanned air assets, to achieve decisive airpower effects,” he said.
The CAS said that the approach would ensure greater agility and responsiveness in joint operations, adding that synergy with sister services, particularly the army, was a core component of such operational enhancement.
He said that the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre-led Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) initiative, which now serves as a critical framework for harmonising air and land operations.
“Our enhanced CONOPS would feature better synergy, interoperability, and effectiveness with sister services in joint operations.
“The NAF remains committed to leading in air-to-ground integration to ensure coordinated and efficient battlefield outcomes,” he said.
The CAS underscored the tangible gains made in ongoing missions, notably Operations in the North-East and North-West.
He said the Air Component of the North East Operation, in 2024, conducted 1,026 sorties, encompassing intensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Air Interdiction, and Armed Reconnaissance missions.
These operations, according to him, amassed over 2,236 flight hours and have played a vital role in restoring peace across several troubled Local Government Areas within the theatre.
He said the air-ground synergy in the North West had led to the neutralisation of multiple insurgent and bandit leaders and the destruction of over 265 terrorist hideouts in Sector 1 alone.
“In Sector 2, joint efforts have neutralised more than 1,150 terrorists and destroyed 404 criminal structures”.
“These achievements are proof of the benefits of jointness in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.
“A unified operational culture marked by collaboration, agility, and technological innovation is a defining moment for our armed forces.
“Jointness is no longer optional, it is the operational reality we must fully embrace to safeguard our nation,” he said. (