It Takes More Than Jets to Power Nigeria Air Force By Abdulsalam Mahmud and Hassana Suleiman Kandi
In the face of complex security threats such as terrorism, banditry, and cross-border crimes, no single security agency can effectively address Nigeria’s internal and external security challenges alone.
This reality underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation and robust civil-military relations, especially for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), whose operations increasingly depend on accurate intelligence, logistical support, and public trust.
Strengthening these connections is critical to enhancing the overall efficiency of the Air Force and the broader national security architecture.
Inter-agency cooperation involves the deliberate collaboration and coordination between different security, intelligence, and enforcement bodies in carrying out national assignments.
For the Nigerian Air Force, this includes working closely with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
Each of these agencies brings a unique set of competencies and mandates that, when properly harnessed, can significantly improve the precision and impact of air operations.
One practical example is seen in the fight against terrorism in the North-East. The Air Force relies heavily on intelligence provided by the DSS and the military’s ground components before launching targeted airstrikes.
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In border regions, the collaboration between the NAF and the NCS is vital to intercept smuggling routes used for arms and other contraband that fund criminal networks. These joint operations are a testimony to the power of synergy in confronting threats that defy singular responses.
Beyond combat efficiency, inter-agency cooperation plays a vital role in improving civil-military relations. The Nigerian Air Force’s recent community engagement initiatives—such as donating learning materials and renovating classrooms in Katsina—reflect a shift towards winning public trust.
These civil engagements not only humanize the military but also help gather actionable intelligence from civilians who feel safer and more inclined to support security efforts.
Nevertheless, effective cooperation does not come without challenges. Disparities in ethics, overlapping mandates, and competition for recognition often hinder smooth collaboration among agencies.
Some institutions struggle to share information promptly due to bureaucratic red tape or fear of compromise. Additionally, financial constraints and unequal resource allocation can breed resentment and reduce morale among frontline operatives.
To address these challenges, the Nigerian government must institutionalize frameworks that encourage joint training, shared operations planning, and open communication channels among agencies.
Equally, civilians must be protected by law and practice when they volunteer critical information to security operatives. Protection of whistleblowers and informants is crucial in cultivating lasting civil-military cooperation.
In a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria, where threats evolve with speed and sophistication, the efficiency of the Nigerian Air Force cannot rest on its airpower alone. Strengthening ties with other security agencies and building trust with civilians is not just strategic—it is essential.
A united security ecosystem, driven by mutual respect, shared goals, and coordinated action, will deliver the results Nigerians earnestly desire: peace, safety, and national stability.
