The Nigerian Army’s 8 Division has initiated a new phase of operational collaboration with the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC), a move military officials say is aimed at strengthening air-ground integration and improving combat effectiveness in the North-West.
The renewed partnership was formalised on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the AWDC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Bemgba Koughna, in Sokoto.
Major General Koughna commended Jibia for what he described as a “distinguished career marked by leadership excellence across multiple command roles,” assuring the Air Force doctrine centre of the division’s “full support and proactive cooperation” in advancing joint missions.
“Dialogue and collaboration remain central to tackling shared operational challenges.
“We are committed to supporting AWDC initiatives and providing proactive assistance even before formal requests are made,” Koughna said.
The engagement comes amid intensified counterterrorism and counter-banditry operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which has recorded increased raids, hostage rescues and combat engagements across Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states in recent weeks.
In his remarks, Air Vice Marshal Jibia congratulated Koughna on his appointment and expressed confidence that the 8 Division would “drive positive change in the North-West’s security landscape.”
He highlighted gaps in awareness of the AWDC’s mandate within the Armed Forces, explaining that the centre is responsible for reviewing and developing Nigerian Air Force doctrine, strengthening operational competence and promoting jointness through integrated training and exercises.
“Many personnel remain unaware of the AWDC’s core responsibilities. Our mission is to refine doctrine, improve air-drone integration and translate these concepts into practical frontline application,” Jibia said.
He stressed that effective air-ground integration remains critical to the successful deployment of air power, particularly in complex theatres where ground forces require rapid aerial support to outmanoeuvre terrorist and highly mobile bandit groups.
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