The Headquarters, Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA (HQ JTF NW OPFY), hosted a delegation from the Air Force War College (AFWC) on a national study tour to the Joint Area of Operations on 29 April 2026.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja media information officer joint task force north west operation fansar yamma said the delegation, led by the Commandant of the College, was received by the Theatre Commander (TC), OPFY, Major General Warrah Idris, and was briefed on the activities of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
During the interactive engagement, the Theatre Commander warmly welcomed the Commandant and his entourage to the Theatre Command. He commended the AFWC for its significant strides in producing capable, competent, and resilient mid-level commanders for the Nigerian Air Force, who are able to effectively deliver air power in support of military operations in the North West region and across Nigeria.
Major General Idris emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among the services’ war colleges through deliberate exchanges of directing staff and officers. According to him, such initiatives would foster greater jointness among the services and contribute to the success of joint operations in the country. He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the engagement by asking insightful and critical questions, noting that the interaction would enrich their understanding of joint operational environments. He also expressed appreciation to the Commandant for selecting the Theatre Command and Zamfara State as part of the study tour, adding that the visit would provide valuable firsthand insight into the conduct of operations in the North West.
In his earlier remarks, the Commandant, AFWC, Air Vice Marshal Gambo Mbaka, expressed gratitude to the Theatre Commander for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with the Theatre. He described the College as a premier professional military institution responsible for training operational-level officers of the rank of Group Captain and equivalents from the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy as well as allied officers.
Air Vice Marshal Mbaka noted that since the commencement of Course 12 in January this year, participants had undergone several modules with emphasis on operational art, joint planning, and the employment of air power. He added that as part of the course requirements, participants undertake a national study tour aimed at broadening their perspectives on the role of air power in support of civil authority and national development.
The Commandant also acknowledged the pivotal role played by HQ JTF OPFY in planning, coordinating, and executing offensive operations aimed at combating terrorism, banditry, and other forms of armed criminality within the Theatre. He emphasized that the integration of land, air, and other security components is critical to achieving operational success under the leadership of the Theatre Commander. He further noted that the synergy of these elements offers participants valuable lessons in joint operations, operational leadership, and inter-agency cooperation.
The Commandant’s entourage comprised four members of the college faculty and 15 participants, including 13 Nigerian Air Force officers, one Nigerian Navy officer, and one officer from the Ghanaian Air Force.
The visit featured an interactive session, signing of the visitors’ register, a group photograph, and a get-together hosted in honour of the delegation, during which the Theatre Commander presented souvenirs to the Commandant and members of his team
