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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The United States Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing a joint operational effectiveness with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) through smarter firepower delivery and stronger civilian protection.
Major General Miguel Castellanos, from the United States Institute of Security Governance, made this known ,when he led a delegation from the institute to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, at headquarters of the NAF in Abuja.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said Air Marshal Abubakar, during the meeting, emphasised 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 was central to achieving synergy across the Services and embedding global best practices in Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM).
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“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,
. “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 his response, Major General Castellanos commended the NAF for its professionalism and visionary leadership, noting 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.
“What we are developing together is more than operational capability, it is a system that ensures effectiveness, while protecting civilian populations,” Castellanos remarked. “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.”
Both parties agreed that the ultimate goal of the AGI programme is to build enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces, enabling them to counter emerging threats decisively, while upholding humanitarian standards. The visit reaffirmed the deepening Nigeria–US partnership, with both sides committing to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration, and civilian protection, cornerstones of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations.
