Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
The Nigerian Army’s 8 Division has sealed a new collaboration with the Air Warfare and Doctrine Centre (AWDC) to strengthen joint operations against terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
The partnership was formalised during a courtesy visit by the Commandant of AWDC, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Jibia, to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, in Sokoto.
Major General Koughna hailed the AWDC leadership for its “distinguished service and operational foresight” and pledged full cooperation in advancing integrated operations across the theatre.
He stressed the need for sustained dialogue among security formations, saying 8 Division would offer support “proactively to close operational gaps.”
Air Vice Marshal Jibia congratulated the GOC on his appointment and said he was confident the Division would drive needed reforms in the region’s security architecture.
He disclosed that many personnel were still unfamiliar with the AWDC’s mandate, which includes updating air doctrine, shaping employment concepts, enhancing operational competence, and promoting jointness through integrated exercises.
The AWDC boss identified the improvement of air-ground coordination and the deployment of air drones as critical areas for doctrinal advancement, adding that effective integration would ensure optimal delivery of air power to frontline forces.
The meeting ended with an exchange of souvenirs and group photographs, signaling a renewed inter-service partnership in the counterterrorism campaign.
