The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the South African Air Force (SAAF) have reaffirmed their commitment to closer defence cooperation aimed at advancing peace and stability across Africa.
This renewed partnership was highlighted during the visit of Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, to the NAF Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
During the meeting, both air forces discussed key areas of collaboration, including joint training, logistics, aircraft maintenance, counter-terrorism, and technological innovation. The engagement underscored the two nations’ shared goal of building stronger regional security through air power diplomacy and operational cooperation.
Lieutenant General Mbambo praised the Nigerian Air Force for modernising its fleet, improving maintenance capacity, and advancing indigenous technological development. He reaffirmed South Africa’s readiness to partner with Nigeria on training initiatives, technical exchanges, and efforts to counter emerging threats.
He also highlighted the growing challenge of non-state actors gaining access to advanced military technologies and called for greater solidarity among African air forces to protect the continent’s collective security interests.
Representing the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal I.H. Etukudo described the visit as a milestone in fostering intra-African defence collaboration. He reaffirmed the NAF’s dedication to forming strategic partnerships focused on innovation, capacity building, and operational excellence.
The visit strengthened bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa, marking a significant step toward a safer, more united Africa through cooperation in air power and counter-terrorism initiatives.