The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is strengthening its collaboration with the Nigerian Army to enhance its counterinsurgency strategies, according to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar.

This was contained in a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, also dated May 9, 2025.

According to the statement, the CAS made this disclosure during a lecture delivered on May 9, 2025, to participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025 in Abuja.

Air Marshal Abubakar emphasised the NAF’s commitment to “seamless integration of both manned and unmanned air assets to achieve decisive airpower effects” in its enhanced Concept of Operations (CONOPS).

He also stated that “Our enhanced CONOPS would feature better synergy, interoperability, and effectiveness with sister services in joint operations.”

The CAS highlighted the successes of recent operations, stating, “In the past year alone, the Air Component of the Northeast Operation conducted 1,026 sorties and has played a vital role in restoring peace across several troubled local government areas within the theatre.”

He further noted that “joint efforts have neutralised more than 1,150 terrorists and destroyed 404 criminal structures” in the Northwest.

According to Air Marshal Abubakar, “This is a defining moment for our armed forces. A unified operational culture marked by collaboration, agility, and technological innovation. Jointness is no longer optional; it is the operational reality we must fully embrace to safeguard our nation.”