The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States Government have reaffirmed their partnership to enhance smarter firepower delivery and strengthen measures for civilian protection in conflict zones.
The renewed commitment followed a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, by a United States Institute of Security Governance delegation led by retired Major General Miguel Castellanos on Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the impact of the ongoing Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, supported by the United States, which he said has boosted the NAF’s capacity to deliver precision firepower while minimizing risks to civilian lives.
“The Air-Ground Integration programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower at the right place and at the right time with precision and restraint,” the CAS noted. “It not only enhances synergy across the Services but also reinforces our commitment to protecting civilians in conflict zones. The United States’ technical and advisory support has been critical to these gains.”
In response, Major General Castellanos commended the NAF’s professionalism and leadership, noting that Nigeria has emerged as a regional model in embedding Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) into military operations.
“What we are building together is more than operational capability; it is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations,” Castellanos said. “Nigeria’s leadership in advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation sets a strong example for the region, and the United States is proud to stand as a partner.”
Both sides agreed that the ultimate goal of the AGI programme is to establish enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces to effectively counter emerging threats while adhering to humanitarian standards. The visit underscored the growing Nigeria–US defence partnership, with renewed pledges to strengthen cooperation in precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration, and civilian protection—pillars of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations.
