The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received praise for its dedication and significant contributions to the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
This recognition came during a high-level meeting held on March 4, 2025, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja. A United States delegation, led by Jessica Long, Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the U.S. Department of State, engaged with senior NAF officials to discuss security cooperation.
The delegation was welcomed by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola. Discussions focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms, enhancing counter-terrorism strategies, and deepening security collaboration between both nations.
Mrs. Long commended the Nigerian government and its armed forces for their ongoing efforts in combating terrorism. She acknowledged the military’s recent successes in disrupting terrorist networks and praised their use of intelligence-driven tactics, which have significantly weakened insurgent threats. She emphasized that these efforts have not only improved security within Nigeria but have also contributed to regional stability.
She reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting the NAF’s counter-terrorism initiatives and stressed the importance of international partnerships in addressing emerging security threats. Highlighting the need for precision-driven operations, she underscored the role of advanced strategies in ensuring effective military engagements.
The discussions also explored avenues for increased intelligence sharing, capacity building, and operational support to enhance NAF’s efficiency in combating insurgency and terrorism.
In response, AVM Daramola expressed gratitude for the U.S. delegation’s visit and reiterated the NAF’s commitment to national security and civilian protection during military operations. He also called for stronger cooperation in areas such as specialized training and technology transfer to further boost Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
The meeting was attended by senior NAF officers, including AVM AY Abdullahi, Director of Operations, and AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation, alongside other high-ranking officials.
