The Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force have pledged to strengthen collaboration in civil-military relations, particularly in non-kinetic operations aimed at improving public confidence and enhancing operational effectiveness.
According to the Acting Director of Information Management, Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Abuja Major Ojo Adenegan, the commitment was made on Wednesday, November 4, when the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Major General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, at Army Headquarters Annex A, WU Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja.
During the visit, Gabkwet said the engagement was intended to deepen existing synergy between the two departments.
He commended the Nigerian Army’s Department of Civil-Military Affairs for its achievements in non-kinetic operations, particularly stakeholder engagement forums and social media seminars.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force is interested in understudying and adopting similar initiatives to strengthen its civil-military relations activities.
Gabkwet emphasised the importance of intensifying non-kinetic operations, describing them as critical to winning the hearts and minds of the civilian population, particularly residents of military host communities.
He also advocated greater involvement of Generation Z and social media influencers in promoting public understanding of military activities and civil-military relations.
Responding, Etsu-Ndagi expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two departments.
He said collaboration in non-kinetic activities would contribute to improved operational effectiveness across both services.
The Army chief further disclosed that his department would leverage the existing partnership to understudy and adopt relevant Nigerian Air Force initiatives, with the aim of strengthening public confidence and encouraging greater support from host communities for military operations.
Members of the Air Force delegation included Air Vice Marshal CE Akpa, Air Commodore AT Adejimi, Wing Commander FE Argbeohan and Flying Lieutenant AM Aondonaka.
