AWDC STRENGTHENS AIR-GROUND COORDINATION AND CIVILIAN HARM MITIGATION IN OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

AWDC STRENGTHENS AIR-GROUND COORDINATION AND CIVILIAN HARM MITIGATION IN OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA

Effective military operations depend not only on combat capability but also on seamless coordination, sound judgement and the protection of civilians. In this regard, the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), Abuja, conducted an in-theatre Air-to-Ground Integration (AGI) and Civilian Harm Mitigation (CHM) training for troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Katsina, from 19 to 23 October 2026. The training brought together 51 personnel, comprising 20 Nigerian Army and 31 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel, to strengthen joint operational effectiveness and promote responsible employment of airpower.

Through classroom presentations, interactive discussions and practical demonstrations, participants explored air-ground coordination procedures, air support limitations, targeting processes, coordinate systems, location marking and emergency close air support. The CHM component addressed civilian harm risk factors in the North-West operational environment, legal and ethical considerations, and measures to incorporate civilian protection into operational planning and execution. Speaking on the training, the Commandant of AWDC, Air Vice Marshal GI Jibia, emphasised the importance of effective coordination between air assets and surface forces, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to practical, lessons-driven training. The Joint Task Force Air Component Commander, Air Commodore CE Illoh, also commended the initiative and urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired in subsequent operations.

The training forms part of the NAF’s lessons-learnt initiatives to translate operational experience into improved professional competence, stronger coordination and better-informed targeting decisions. It also reinforces the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force and the wider Armed Forces of Nigeria to achieving mission objectives while minimising risks to civilians and civilian infrastructure. In line with the command philosophies of the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs, AWDC continues to advance professional military education that supports coordinated, effective and responsible military operations in pursuit of national security objectives.

#NAF #AWDC #OperationFansanYamma #AirGroundIntegration #CivilianHarmMitigation #JointOperations #ProfessionalMilitaryEducation