The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Thursday received Major General Miguel Castellanos (Rtd), Leader of the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) Nigeria Programme, and his delegation during an office call at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF) in Abuja.

According to NAF, the meeting focused on reviewing ongoing collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the United States in critical areas aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, institutional capacity, and national security, particularly in support of ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country.

During the engagement, both sides discussed the progress of existing institutional capacity-building projects as well as future cooperation initiatives. Key areas highlighted included Air-Ground Integration, Joint Tactical Air Control, and Civilian Harm Mitigation initiatives designed to improve operational coordination and enhance the protection of civilians during military operations.

Speaking during the meeting, Air Marshal Aneke described the Nigeria–United States defence relationship as “a valuable strategic partnership that continues to strengthen the NAF’s operational capacity and institutional development in addressing contemporary security challenges.”

The CAS stressed that sustained collaboration between both countries remains vital to improving peace, security, and socio-economic development in Nigeria, especially amid evolving security threats.

He noted that partnerships focused on training, operational support, and institutional development have continued to contribute significantly to the professionalism and effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force in ongoing military operations.

In his remarks, Major General Miguel Castellanos (Rtd) reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to supporting Nigeria’s defence and security capacity-building efforts.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for the professionalism and effectiveness of its ongoing operations, particularly its sustained commitment to civilian harm mitigation initiatives in operational theatres.

According to him, the partnership between the United States and the NAF “reflects a shared commitment towards promoting regional stability, improving operational effectiveness and advancing professional military cooperation.”

The meeting further underscored the enduring bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the United States, as both countries reiterated their collective resolve to deepen security cooperation in tackling terrorism, insurgency, and other emerging security challenges.