Brig. General Samaila Uba Assumes Office as New Director of Defence Information, Pledges Transparency, Unity, and Innovation in Military Communication

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States Government have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing joint operational effectiveness through precision firepower and stronger civilian protection.

Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the renewed pledge followed a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, on 9 September 2025, by a delegation from the United States Institute of Security Governance led by retired Major General Miguel Castellanos.

Air Marshal Abubakar noted that the ongoing Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) programme, supported by the United States, has significantly improved the NAF’s ability to deliver precision firepower in support of ground operations while reducing risks to civilians. He described the programme as central to achieving 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,” Abubakar said. “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.”

In his remarks, Major General Castellanos praised the NAF for its professionalism and visionary leadership, describing Nigeria as a regional leader in advancing Civilian Harm Mitigation. He assured that the United States would continue to provide technical support, training, and expertise to sustain and expand the gains of the AGI programme.

“What we are developing together is more than operational capability; it is a system that ensures effectiveness while protecting civilian populations,” Castellanos said. “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 ultimate goal of the AGI programme is to build enduring joint processes across Nigeria’s Armed Forces, enabling them to counter emerging threats decisively while upholding humanitarian standards.

The visit reaffirmed the deepening Nigeria–U.S. partnership, with both sides committing to strengthen cooperation in precision targeting, inter-agency collaboration, and civilian protection — considered vital elements of modern counter-terrorism and peace support operations.