Enhanced Synergy Between NAF, Army Reshaping Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency Operations — CAS

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar has stated that increased cooperation between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army (NA) and other services has reshaped Nigeria’s Counterinsurgency operations.

The CAS stated this on Friday while delivering a lecture titled: “Military Strategic Leadership in Air Operations: My Perspective” to participants of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 9/2025 in Abuja.

In a statement by the NAF spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Army, noting that it accelerates efforts to recalibrate its operational strategies to counter Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

He outlined NAF’s enhanced Concept of Operations (CONOPS) tailored to deliver decisive and synchronised effects in joint military campaigns.

According to him, a key feature of the recalibration is the seamless integration of manned and unmanned aerial platforms, enhanced communication systems, and real-time data links to boost situational awareness and enable faster, precision-based decision-making.

“To enhance our CONOPS to address emerging security challenges, we will work towards seamless integration of both manned and unmanned air assets, to achieve decisive airpower effects,” the CAS said.

Providing additional insight, Air Marshal Abubakar ssid “this approach ensures greater agility and responsiveness in joint operations.”

“A core component of this operational enhancement is synergy with sister services, particularly the Nigerian Army,” he added.

Air Marshal Abubakar also highlighted the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre-led Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) initiative, which now serves as a critical framework for harmonising air and land operations.

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

He assured that the NAF remains committed to leading in air-to-ground integration to ensure coordinated and efficient battlefield outcomes.

He said “In the past year alone, the Air Component of the Northeast Operation conducted 1,026 sorties, encompassing intensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Air Interdiction, and Armed Reconnaissance missions.

“These operations amassed over 2,236 flight hours and have played a vital role in restoring peace across several troubled Local Government Areas within the theatre,” he added.

He added that since June 2023, the air-ground synergy has led to the neutralisation of multiple insurgent and bandit leaders and the destruction of over 265 terrorist hideouts in Sector 1 alone.

“In Sector 2, joint efforts have neutralised more than 1,150 terrorists and destroyed 404 criminal structures,” Abubakar said.

He outlined these achievements as proof of the benefits of synergy in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.