From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The Headquarters 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, alongside Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has hosted participants of the Air Force War College Course 12/2026 as part of their National Study Tour, aimed at strengthening the integration of strategic air power into national security and development efforts.
According to a statement issued Tuesday in Sokoto by the Division’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the tour is designed to bridge the gap between state-level operations and the broader deployment of air power in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
With the theme, “State Resources and Air Power: National Development in North-West Nigeria in Focus,” this year’s tour examines how air power can be leveraged not only for security enhancement but also to drive socio-economic growth across the region.
Commandant of the Air Force War College, Air Vice Marshal Gambo Mbaka, explained that participants were split into three teams for field engagements—Team A in Sokoto, Team B in Kebbi, and Team C in Zamfara allowing for a wide-ranging assessment of security dynamics in the North-West.
He noted that the exercise provides firsthand exposure to ongoing efforts by the 8 Division, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and other security agencies in tackling regional threats, emphasizing that practical engagement complements classroom training in operational planning and joint military strategy.
Mbaka also commended the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Major General Bemgba Koughna, for the warm reception and institutional support extended to the delegation.
Representing the GOC, the Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Ibrahim Gambari, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and continuous professional development within the Armed Forces.
Highlights of the visit included operational briefings on the activities of the 8 Division and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, strategic engagements with the Sokoto State Government, and a cultural visit to the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau, enriching participants’ understanding of the region’s historical context—an essential component of modern military operations.
