A United States (U.S.) delegation has met with senior officials of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), commending the NAF for its relentless commitment and significant contributions to the fight against terrorism and counterterrorism operations in the country.
The U.S. delegation, led by the Acting Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Bureau of Counter-terrorism, U.S. Department of State, Jessica Long, was received by NAF Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola.
The high-level meeting at NAF Headquarters, Abuja on March 4, 2025 discussed strategies to strengthen security cooperation, enhance intelligence sharing, and bolster counterterrorism efforts between both nations.
The discussions also explored avenues for intelligence sharing, capacity building, and operational support to enhance NAF’s effectiveness in combating insurgency and terrorism.
During the meeting, Ms. Long commended the Nigerian government and its armed forces for their steadfast commitment to combating terrorism.
Acknowledging the recent successes of the Nigerian military in disrupting terrorist networks and praising their adoption of innovative, intelligence-driven tactics that have proven effective in neutralizing insurgent threats, she noted that these efforts have not only helped secure strategic regions within Nigeria but have also contributed to the overall stability of the area.
Long reiterated the United States’ continued support for the NAF’s counter-terrorism initiatives and emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in addressing evolving security threats.
She highlighted the importance of advancing purposeful lethality through precision-driven operations, ensuring that NAF’s efforts remain both effective and strategically impactful.
In his remarks, AVM Daramola expressed appreciation for the U.S. delegation’s visit and reaffirmed the NAF’s unwavering resolve to ensure national security and protect civilians during military operations.
Daramola highlighted the advancements made within the NAF Civil-Military Relations Branch, particularly in fostering community trust and minimising collateral damage.
Additionally, he called for increased cooperation in areas such as specialized training and technology transfer to further strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism capabilities.
The meeting was attended by senior NAF officers, including AVM AY Abdullahi, Director of Operations, and AVM EK Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation, as well as other high-ranking officials.