The Nigerian Air Force has intensified efforts to boost its combat effectiveness in the North-East by strengthening air-ground integration in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The push to align airpower doctrine with battlefield realities was highlighted during an operational assessment visit by the Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, in Maiduguri.
The visit, the NAF said, was aimed at ensuring closer coordination between air assets and ground forces, with airpower playing a decisive role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, precision strikes and close air support.
Interacting with frontline commanders and aircrew, Jibia explained that the engagement was designed to strengthen joint-force synergy, enhance mission effectiveness and directly interface with personnel deployed in the theatre of operations.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the operational philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, which prioritises deliberate training, mission-focused force development and air mindedness.
According to the NAF, effective air-ground integration remains a critical enabler of airpower dominance, ensuring seamless coordination between air operations and ground manoeuvres to deliver decisive operational outcomes.
Jibia described air mindedness as a professional culture built on skill, discipline, adaptability and situational awareness, adding that the Air Force would continue to expand joint training, deepen inter-service cooperation and promote integrated operational planning in line with modern warfare demands.
The AWDC Commandant commended troops of Operation HADIN KAI for their gallantry, resilience and operational successes, assuring them of sustained doctrinal and training support.
He also pledged that concerns raised during operational briefings would be reviewed to further enhance mission performance.
In his response, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the visit and reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to adopting innovative doctrinal inputs, particularly in air-ground integration and integrated exercises.
