NAF, Army Synergy Has Reshaped Counterinsurgency War – CAS

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar says an enhanced synergy between the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Army and other services has been reshaping Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.

He stated this 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 yesterday.
In a statement by the NAF spokesman Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Abubakar reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Army as 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 this 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.abubakar

He said, “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.”
He remarked that this approach ensured 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 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. The NAF remains committed to leading in air-to-ground integration to ensure coordinated and efficient battlefield outcomes.”

The air chief underscored the tangible gains made in ongoing missions, notably Operations in the North-East and North-West.

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 that under the Northwest Operation, since June 2023, air-ground synergy had led to the killing of many insurgent and bandit leaders and the destruction of over 265 terrorist hideouts in Sector 1 alone. In Sector 2, joint efforts have killed more than 1,150 terrorists and destroyed 404 criminal structures.

He said the outlined achievements were proof of the benefits of synergy in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations.

“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,” he stated.

The statement said NAF’s enhanced CONOPS, boosting synergy with the Nigerian Army, was poised to deliver lasting peace and security for Nigeria.