The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the U.S. Government have reaffirmed partnership to improve smarter firepower delivery and strengthen civilian protection in conflict zones.

This commitment was renewed during a courtesy visit by the delegation from the U.S. Institute of Security Governance to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, in Abuja.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Tuesday, said the visit was led by Maj.-Gen. Miguel Castellanos (retd).

In his remarks, Nigeria’s air chief said the ongoing Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, supported by the United States, had significantly enhanced the NAF’s capacity for precision firepower and reduced risks to civilians.

Mr Abubakar said the programme was central to achieving synergy across the services and embedding global best practices in civilian harm mitigation.

According to him, the AGI initiative has sharpened the air force’s ability to deliver firepower at the right place and time with precision and restraint.

He pledged to strengthen cooperation in precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration and civilian protection.

In his remarks, Mr Castellanos commended the NAF for professionalism and visionary leadership, noting Nigeria’s role as a regional leader in civilian harm mitigation.

He assured that the United States would continue to provide technical support, training and expertise to sustain and expand the programme’s gains.

Mr Castellanos said the Nigeria–U.S. collaboration was building not only operational capability but also a system that ensures military effectiveness while protecting civilian populations.

Both sides agreed that the goal of the AGI programme was to build enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces to counter threats while upholding humanitarian standards. 

(NAN)