The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to strengthening military cooperation with the United States as both countries deepen collaboration on security and counter-terrorism efforts.
This was made known during an official visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja by Major General Miguel Castellanos (Rtd), leader of the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Nigeria Programme, and his delegation.
The engagement focused on reviewing ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas aimed at improving operational efficiency, institutional development, and national security outcomes in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
Discussions also covered existing capacity-building programmes and explored future areas of partnership. Key focus points included air-ground integration, joint tactical air control, and civilian harm mitigation strategies designed to improve coordination during military operations and enhance civilian protection.
Air Marshal Aneke described the defence relationship between Nigeria and the United States as a strategic partnership that continues to strengthen the operational effectiveness and institutional growth of the Nigerian Air Force in addressing evolving security challenges.
He emphasised that sustained collaboration remains critical to enhancing peace, stability, and socio-economic development in Nigeria, particularly in the face of persistent security threats across different regions.
According to him, training support, operational cooperation, and institutional partnerships have significantly improved the professionalism and efficiency of the Air Force in ongoing operations.
In his remarks, Major General Castellanos reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s defence capacity-building efforts, commending the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and operational conduct, especially in implementing measures to reduce civilian harm in conflict areas.
He noted that the partnership reflects a shared goal of promoting regional stability, improving operational effectiveness, and strengthening professional military cooperation between both countries.
The meeting further reinforced ongoing defence ties between Nigeria and the United States, with both sides pledging to deepen collaboration in addressing terrorism, insurgency, and other emerging security threats.
