Nigerian Air Force Strengthens Joint Battlefield Coordination Through Air-To-Ground Integration and Civilian Harm Mitigation Training

Nigerian Air Force Strengthens Joint Battlefield Coordination Through Air-To-Ground Integration and Civilian Harm Mitigation Training

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), has reinforced its commitment to strengthening joint operational effectiveness by conducting an in-theatre Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) and Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) orientation training for personnel of Operation Savannah Shield. Held from 22–26 June 2026, the programme brought together personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the NAF. The specialised training was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of joint force employment, enhance air-ground coordination and improve mission planning and execution within contemporary operational environments.

The comprehensive programme combined classroom instruction, interactive engagements and practical demonstrations to enhance participants’ operational competence. Training focused on key air-to-ground integration procedures, joint planning, mission coordination and contemporary operational practices, alongside legal, ethical and practical measures for mitigating civilian harm during military operations. An abridged Air Liaison Officers’ course was also conducted for NAF pilots and Regiment officers at NAF Base Kainji, broadening their understanding of joint air operations, operational planning, air mobility coordination and inter-service collaboration. These engagements further strengthened participants’ appreciation of integrated battlefield operations and the importance of precision, professionalism and effective teamwork in modern military missions.

Speaking during the programme, the Commandant, Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, Air Vice Marshal Garba Jibia, underscored the growing importance of integrated operations in addressing evolving security challenges, noting that effective coordination, rapid decision-making and seamless cooperation between air and ground forces are essential to mission success. Echoing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s assertion that “Decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations,” he explained that the training was carefully designed to enhance professionalism and mission readiness in line with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy. Participants described the programme as insightful, practical and professionally rewarding, noting that the knowledge gained would strengthen future operational planning and mission coordination. The successful training further underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to building an integrated, mission-ready joint force capable of delivering precise air power effects while safeguarding civilian lives, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness and national security.