The Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, this week paid an official visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Abuja, strengthening defence cooperation and advancing regional security.
The high-level engagement provided an opportunity for both air forces to deepen discussions on key areas of collaboration, including technological innovation, training, logistics, aircraft maintenance, counter-terrorism operations, and operational synergy, the NAF said of the 27 October visit to NAF Headquarters. “The visit reflects the mutual resolve of Nigeria and South Africa to harness their shared capabilities toward enhancing peace, stability, and security across the African continent.”
On 28 October Mbambo paid an official visit to the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command (TAC) in Makurdi.
Mbambo and NAF Chief of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa, were briefed on the Command’s structure, roles, and contributions to the defence of Nigeria’s airspace, particularly in air surveillance, radar coverage, and support for internal security operations. The visit also featured a static and aerial display at the 131 Engineering Group.
Mbambo commended the NAF for its progress in modernising its fleet, improving aircraft serviceability, and advancing indigenous maintenance capacity.
He reaffirmed the SAAF’s readiness to partner with the NAF in joint training, counter-terrorism initiatives, and technical exchange programmes. He further identified the critical area of driving indigenous technology development to address peculiar African challenges as key to achieving sustainable air power advancement on the continent.
The SAAF Chief stressed that the increasing access of non-state actors to advanced military technology poses a common challenge to all nations, emphasising the importance of solidarity among African air forces in addressing these evolving security threats and safeguarding the continent’s collective defence interests.
Representing Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal IH Etukudo described the visit as a significant step in strengthening intra-African air power cooperation. He reiterated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to building strategic partnerships with friendly air forces across the continent, prioritising operational effectiveness, innovation, and capacity development.
“The visit not only deepens bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa but also reinforces a shared vision of a safer, stronger, and more united Africa through air power diplomacy, counter-terrorism collaboration, and mutual defence cooperation,” the NAF said.