The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence cooperation aimed at combating terrorism, insurgency and other security threats confronting Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that the renewed partnership was highlighted on Thursday when the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, received Major General Miguel Castellanos (Rtd) and his delegation from the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Nigeria Programme during an office visit at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.
According to NAF, discussions during the meeting centred on ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and the United States in areas targeted at improving operational effectiveness, institutional capacity and national security, particularly in support of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country.
Both parties reviewed the progress of existing institutional capacity-building projects and explored future areas of cooperation. Key areas highlighted during the engagement included Air-Ground Integration, Joint Tactical Air Control and Civilian Harm Mitigation initiatives aimed at improving operational coordination and enhancing civilian protection during military operations.
Speaking during the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke described the Nigeria-United States defence relationship as “a valuable strategic partnership that continues to strengthen the NAF’s operational capacity and institutional development in addressing contemporary security challenges.”
He emphasised that sustained collaboration between both nations remains critical to promoting peace, security and socio-economic development in Nigeria amid evolving security threats.
The Chief of the Air Staff also noted that partnerships focused on training, operational support and institutional development have contributed significantly to the professionalism and effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force in ongoing military operations.
In his remarks, Castellanos reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to supporting Nigeria’s defence and security capacity-building efforts.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for the professionalism and effectiveness of its operations, particularly its continued commitment to civilian harm mitigation initiatives in operational areas.
According to him, the partnership between the United States and the NAF “reflects a shared commitment towards promoting regional stability, improving operational effectiveness and advancing professional military cooperation.”
The meeting further underscored the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States as both countries reiterated their resolve to deepen security cooperation in tackling terrorism, insurgency and other emerging security challenges.
