The U.S. Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) was in Nigeria to conduct a five-day Senior Leaders’ Seminar for the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force.
The seminar, which held from September 13 to September 17, was designed to introduce Nigerian Air Force commanders to advanced topics in operational decision making, including a focus on improving civilian harm mitigation efforts in future military operations.
According to a statement from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, “the course included case studies and discussions from U.S. and other international military operations and was taught by U.S. civilian and military lawyers with years of experience in operational law and military justice.”
In addition, the course included a part of the A-29 Super Tucano sale as part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s “Total Package Approach” that includes not just hardware but spare parts, logistics, and training.
The statement noted that “although the course was originally intended for the handful of commanders that would operate with the A-29, the Nigerian Air Force sent 20 Commanding Officers to this course, including 7 General Officers and the Deputy Director of Legal Services.
“Because this course was the first of its kind, DIILS Director, Captain Ian Wexler, traveled to oversee the event and meet the officers.”
According to its website, DIILS is the lead Department of Defense security cooperation resource for global legal engagement and capacity-building with international defense sector officials.
The DIILS instructors enjoyed a productive and professional interaction with the Nigerian officers and hope to continue this relationship and return for future engagements and courses.