By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is deepening collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other sister services as it revamps its operational playbook to address Nigeria’s dynamic security landscape.
This was highlighted by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, during a lecture delivered to participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025 on 9 May in Abuja.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in an official signed statement disclosed that the CAS while speaking on the topic “Military Strategic Leadership in Air Operations: My Perspective,” unveiled the NAF’s upgraded Concept of Operations (CONOPS), engineered to achieve decisive, integrated results in joint missions. Central to this revamped approach, is the cohesive deployment of both manned and unmanned aerial systems, fortified communication architecture, and real-time data-sharing capabilities to sharpen situational awareness and accelerate precision strikes.
“To tackle today’s complex threats, our CONOPS is designed for seamless fusion of air platforms and systems, ensuring rapid, decisive action,” the CAS emphasized. He underscored that the evolving strategy enables a more agile and responsive force, especially in tandem with the Nigerian Army.
He also spotlighted the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre’s Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) initiative as a keystone in aligning air and land forces. “Interoperability is at the heart of our operations. The NAF is fully invested in leading synchronized joint efforts to dominate the battlespace,” Air Marshal Abubakar affirmed.
Highlighting progress on the ground, the CAS detailed the Air Component’s achievements in the North-East and North-West operations. Over the past year, more than 1,000 sorties have been flown in the Northeast, covering ISR, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions, resulting in over 2,200 flight hours and restored security in multiple regions. In the Northwest, air-ground cooperation in Sectors 1 and 2 has led to the elimination of key insurgents, destruction of hundreds of hideouts, and neutralization of over 1,150 terrorists since June 2023.
These accomplishments, he stated, are a testament to the power of unified command and inter-service synergy. “This is a turning point for Nigeria’s Armed Forces. A future anchored in cohesion, speed, and technological superiority. Jointness is no longer a choice it is the lifeline of national security,” he declared. The NAF’s enhanced operational doctrine is expected to drive enduring peace and stability across Nigeria.
