By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has hosted participants of Course 22 from the Beninese National Higher Military School (BNHMS) on a study tour to Headquarters NAF, Abuja, in a move aimed at deepening regional military cooperation, professional exchange, and collective security within the West African sub-region.
The visit, which took place on 2 June 2026, brought together senior military officers undergoing staff training in the Republic of Benin and was received on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, by the Chief of Air Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Nn Ananaba.
Speaking during the engagement, Air Vice Marshal Ananaba welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of sustained military diplomacy, intelligence sharing, and collaboration among regional armed forces in addressing evolving security threats. He noted that the complexity of contemporary security challenges in West Africa necessitates stronger interoperability and closer institutional partnerships among friendly militaries.
The programme featured a comprehensive briefing by the Training Branch of Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, where participants were exposed to the structure, operational roles, and ongoing transformation initiatives of the service. The presentation was aimed at enhancing understanding of the NAF’s operational doctrine, training framework, and institutional development efforts.
The leader of the Beninese delegation commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism, operational effectiveness, and commitment to capacity building. He stated that the study tour provided valuable insights into the NAF’s organisational structure and approach to air power employment and leadership development.
An interactive session followed the briefing, allowing participants to engage senior Nigerian Air Force officers on issues relating to air operations, intelligence, training, leadership development, and regional security cooperation. The exchange, according to both sides, strengthened mutual understanding and reinforced the value of sustained collaboration between the two institutions.
