ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to enhance battlefield coordination and reduce civilian casualties through specialised Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) and Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) training for personnel under Operation Savannah Shield.
The week-long in-theatre training, held from June 22 to 26, 2026, brought together personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the NAF to strengthen joint force operations, improve mission planning and boost coordination in complex operational environments. The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Air Vice Marshal Garba Jibia, Commandant of the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC).
The programme combined classroom sessions, practical demonstrations and interactive engagements, focusing on joint planning, air-ground coordination, mission execution and strategies to minimise civilian harm during military operations.
Speaking during the training, Jibia emphasised the critical role of integrated operations in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“Effective coordination, rapid decision-making and seamless cooperation between air and ground forces are essential to mission success,” he said.
He also echoed the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stating that “decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations.”
An abridged Air Liaison Officers’ course was also conducted at NAF Base Kainji for pilots and Regiment officers, aimed at strengthening inter-service collaboration, operational planning and air mobility coordination.
Participants described the training as practical and impactful, noting that it would significantly improve operational planning and mission execution in future deployments.
The initiative underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to building a mission-ready joint force capable of delivering precise air power while safeguarding civilian lives, in line with national security objectives.
