Nigerian Military Expands Air-to-Ground Training to Bolster Fight Against Insurgents

BY: ADAMU ALIYU NGULDE, MAIDUGURI

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Nigeria’s top commander in the northeast has called for stronger coordination between ground forces and air power as the military steps up its campaign against jihadist groups that have destabilized the region for more than a decade.

Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who leads Operation Hadin Kai — the joint task force battling Boko Haram and Islamic State–aligned militants — said on Monday that improving air-to-ground integration was essential for reducing civilian harm and avoiding friendly-fire incidents.

“Our collective efforts in combating terrorism require a well-trained and professional force that can work in synergy with other agencies and entities,” Abubakar told participants at the opening of a weeklong training at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.

The program, conducted by the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre, is the first of its kind under Operation Hadin Kai. It is designed to sharpen communication and coordination between infantry units and aircraft in the theater of operations.

Military officials said participants, drawn from different formations across the northeast, would be introduced to basic