Major General Warrah Idris, the Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has made a strong case for deeper integration between Nigeria’s military war colleges. During a strategic visit from the Air Force War College (AFWC) to his headquarters on Wednesday, the Commander proposed a deliberate exchange of directing staff and officers across the services to strengthen national security operations.
In a statement released by the Joint Task Force (North West) Operation Fansan Yamma Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, General Idris emphasized that such exchanges are vital for building a “culture of jointness.”
He noted that the success of modern military operations depends heavily on how well different branches of the armed forces work together in the field.
The visit was a key component of the AFWC Course 12 national study tour. This initiative allows participants to move beyond the classroom and gain firsthand experience of the complex security landscape in the Northwest. General Idris praised the college for producing high-caliber mid-level commanders and encouraged the visiting officers to be analytical in their observations of how land and air power are being integrated to tackle regional threats.
Responding to the reception, the Commandant of the AFWC, Air Vice Marshal Gambo Mbaka, thanked the Theatre Command for providing a practical learning environment. He described the college as a hub for operational excellence, training senior officers from the Air Force, Army, Navy, and allied nations, including participants from Ghana in the art of joint planning and national development support.
Air Vice Marshal Mbaka highlighted that since Course 12 began in January, the focus has been on “operational art” and the strategic use of air assets. He noted that observing Operation FANSAN YAMMA’s efforts against banditry and terrorism offers “invaluable lessons” in leadership and inter-agency cooperation that cannot be replicated in a traditional lecture setting.
The delegation included four faculty members and 15 elite participants. By choosing Zamfara State as a study site, the college aimed to give these future leaders a clear view of how air power supports civil authority and protects local communities under volatile conditions.
The engagement wrapped up with an interactive session and a formal gift exchange. General Idris expressed his appreciation to the college for selecting the Northwest theatre, noting that the synergy between the visiting officers and the operational troops on the ground remains a cornerstone of the military’s success in the region.
