The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States Government have reaffirmed their commitment to smarter firepower delivery and stronger civilian protection as part of efforts to enhance joint operational effectiveness. This was emphasised during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, on 9 September 2025, by a delegation from the United States Institute of Security Governance led by retired Major General Miguel Castellanos. Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the ongoing Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme supported by the US has greatly improved the NAF’s ability to deliver precision firepower while minimising risks to civilians. “The programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower with precision and restraint,” he said, adding that US support has been instrumental to this progress.
In his response, Major General Castellanos commended the NAF for its professionalism and visionary leadership, praising Nigeria’s role as a regional leader in advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM). He reaffirmed the United States’ readiness to sustain technical support, training, and advisory services to consolidate the gains of the AGI programme. “What we are developing together is more than operational capability, it is a system that ensures effectiveness whilst protecting civilian populations,” Castellanos stated. “Nigeria’s leadership in embedding Civilian Harm Mitigation into military operations sets a strong example for the region, and the United States is proud to stand as a partner in this endeavour.”
Both parties agreed that the AGI programme’s ultimate goal is to institutionalise enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces, enabling them to decisively counter emerging threats whilst upholding humanitarian standards. The meeting reaffirmed the deepening Nigeria–US partnership and the mutual commitment to strengthen co-operation in precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration, and civilian protection — all critical pillars of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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