US, NAF, Collaborate In Protecting Civilians During Operations

By Ayodele Oni

The adoption of Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) during operations by the Nigerian Air Force, (NAF) has sharpened capacity to deliver firepower at the right place and at the right time with precision and restraint.

It has also reinforced NAF’s commitment to safeguard civilian lives in conflict zones.

The Air-to-Ground Integration is a joint collaboration between the Nigerian Air force and the United States Government with both countries reaffirming their resolve to deepen cooperation in advancing precision firepower delivery and strengthening civilian protection in conflict zones.

The renewed commitment was made on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, by a delegation from the United States Institute of Security Governance, led by retired Major General Miguel Castellanos.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed in a statement, that the meeting centred on ongoing collaboration through the Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, a joint initiative that has already enhanced the NAF’s operational capabilities.

Air Marshal Abubakar praised the AGI programme as a transformative tool that has significantly boosted the Air Force’s ability to deliver precise air-to-ground firepower in support of ground troops, while drastically reducing risks to civilian populations.

He described the programme as vital to strengthening synergy across the Services and embedding global best practices in Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM).

“The Air-Ground Integration programme has sharpened our capacity to deliver firepower at the right place and at the right time with precision and restraint.

“Beyond enhancing synergy, it reinforces our commitment to safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. The technical and advisory support provided by the United States has been instrumental in making this progress possible.”

Responding, Major General Castellanos commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and visionary leadership, stressing that Nigeria had taken bold steps toward becoming a regional model in integrating civilian protection into military operations.

He reassured that the United States would remain a steadfast partner in consolidating the gains of the AGI programme through continuous technical support, training, and expertise.

“What we are developing together is more than operational capability, it is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations.

“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 long-term objective of the AGI initiative is to institutionalize enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces, enabling them to decisively counter emerging threats while upholding humanitarian standards.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the growing Nigeria–US defence partnership, with commitments to broaden collaboration in precision targeting, inter-agency coordination, and civilian protection, recognised as essential pillars of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations.