By Stella Odueme
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Abuja, has trained 51 personnel of the Nigerian Army and the NAF on air-ground coordination and civilian harm mitigation to improve operational effectiveness in the North-West.
According to NAF in its X handle on Monday, the training, held at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Katsina, from October 19 to 23, 2026, was organised for troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA as part of efforts to strengthen joint operations and promote the responsible use of airpower.
The exercise brought together 20 Nigerian Army personnel and 31 Nigerian Air Force personnel, who received instruction on Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) and Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM).
The participants were exposed to classroom presentations, interactive discussions and practical demonstrations on air-ground coordination procedures, air support limitations, targeting processes, coordinate systems, location marking and emergency close air support.
The training also examined factors that could expose civilians to harm in the North-West operational environment, as well as the legal and ethical considerations guiding military operations. Participants were further equipped with approaches for incorporating civilian protection into operational planning and execution.
The Commandant of AWDC, Air Vice Marshal GI Jibia, emphasised the need for effective coordination between air assets and ground forces, noting the importance of practical, lessons-driven training in improving operational performance.
The Joint Task Force Air Component Commander, Air Commodore CE Illoh, also commended the initiative and urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during subsequent operations.
The NAF said the exercise was part of its lessons-learnt initiatives designed to translate operational experiences into improved professional competence, stronger coordination and better-informed targeting decisions.
It added that the training reinforced the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to achieving mission objectives while minimising risks to civilians and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Service further stated that AWDC would continue to advance professional military education in line with the command philosophies of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs to support effective, coordinated and responsible military operations.