The Nigerian Air Force and Army’s joint operations resulted in the neutralisation of over 1,150 terrorists and the destruction of 669 structures in the North West over 17 months, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said.
Air Marshal Abubakar said this while delivering a lecture to participants of Army War College Nigeria’s Course 9/2025 in Abuja, on Friday.
He said, “In the past year alone, the Air Component of the Northeast Operation conducted 1,026 sorties, encompassing intensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Air Interdiction, and Armed Reconnaissance missions.
“These operations amassed over 2,236 flight hours and have played a vital role in restoring peace across several troubled Local Government Areas within the theatre.
“Additionally, under the Northwest, since June 2023, air-ground synergy has led to the neutralisation of multiple insurgent and bandit leaders and the destruction of over 265 terrorist hideouts in Sector 1 alone. In Sector 2, joint efforts have neutralised more than 1,150 terrorists and destroyed 404 criminal structures”.
The NAF boss said these feats were made possible through NAF’s enhanced Concept of Operations (CONOPS), which is tailored to deliver decisive and synchronised effects in joint military campaigns.
According to him, a key feature of the recalibration is the seamless integration of manned and unmanned aerial platforms, enhanced communication systems, and real-time data links to boost situational awareness and enable faster, precision-based decision-making.
He said, “To enhance our CONOPS to address emerging security challenges, we will work towards seamless integration of both manned and unmanned air assets, to achieve decisive airpower effects.
“This approach ensures greater agility and responsiveness in joint operations.” A core component of this operational enhancement is synergy with sister services, particularly the Nigerian Army.”
Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre-led Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) initiative, which now serves as a critical framework for harmonising air and land operations.
“Our enhanced CONOPS would feature better synergy, interoperability, and effectiveness with sister services in joint operations,” he said.
“The NAF remains committed to leading in air-to-ground integration to ensure coordinated and efficient battlefield outcomes.”
