Nigeria–US Partnership Targets Smarter Firepower, Stronger Civilian Protection
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States Government have renewed their commitment to smarter firepower delivery and stronger civilian protection, deepening bilateral cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
This was underscored on 9 September 2025, when a delegation from the US Institute of Security Governance, led by retired Major General Miguel Castellanos, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar.
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the impact of the ongoing Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, supported by the US, which has significantly enhanced the NAF’s ability to deliver precision strikes while safeguarding civilian lives. “The programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower with precision and restraint,” he stated, crediting US technical support as vital to these advancements.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Castellanos commended the NAF for its professionalism and visionary leadership, describing Nigeria as a regional leader in Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM). He reaffirmed Washington’s readiness to sustain training, advisory, and technical support. “What we are developing together is more than operational capability — it is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations,” he said.
Both parties agreed that the AGI programme’s long-term objective is to institutionalise enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces. These processes will enhance precision targeting, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and ensure adherence to humanitarian standards in counter-terrorism and peace support operations.
The meeting reaffirmed the deepening Nigeria–US security partnership, anchored on shared values of professionalism, accountability, and the protection of civilian lives.
