The Headquarters 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA have hosted participants of the Air Force War College Course 12/2026 as part of their National Study Tour, aimed at deepening their understanding of operational and strategic air power in support of civil authority and national development.
The study tour serves as a critical link between state-level operations and the strategic deployment of air power in safeguarding national security.
This year’s theme, “State Resources and Air Power: National Development in Northwest Nigeria in Focus,” explores how air power capabilities can drive security enhancement and socio-economic progress across the region.
In his remarks, the Commandant of Air Force War College, Air Vice Marshal Gambo Mbaka, highlighted the tour’s operational framework.
He stated that Participants were divided into three teams for coordinated field engagements.
The commandant noted that Team A is in Sokoto State, Team B went to Kebbi State, while Team C is in Zamfara State.
The Commandant emphasised that the tour will provide firsthand exposure to the security challenges in Northwest Nigeria, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, Operation FANSAN YAMMA and other security agencies in countering security challenges in the North West.
Air Vice Marshal Mbaka underscored the synergy between theory and practice, stating that while classroom instruction in operational art and joint planning is foundational, direct engagement with institutions sharpens professional judgment and operational readiness.
The Commandant also expressed gratitude to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Major General Bemgba Koughna for the warm reception and support extended to the delegation.
Representing the GOC, the Chief of Staff Headquarters 8 Division Brigadier General Ibrahim Gambari welcomed the Commandant, Directing Staff, and participants, reaffirming the Division’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation and continuous professional development within the Armed Forces.
Key Highlights of the Tour included Briefings on the history, organisation, and operational updates of 8 Division and Operation FANSAN YAMMA, engagement with the Sokoto State Government, and offering insights into sub-national governance and security strategies.
Cultural immersion at the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Bureau and enriching participants’ understanding of Sokoto’s historical and cultural context, a vital aspect of operational awareness, according to a statement issued by Olaniyi Osoba, Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division.
