Air Chief Calls for Intelligence-Led Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Air Chief Calls for Intelligence-Led Operations to Tackle Nigeria's Security Challenges
Air Chief Calls for Intelligence-Led Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said intelligence-led operations, joint military cooperation and the effective use of air power are essential to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Air Marshal Aneke stated this while delivering a lecture titled “Air Power and National Security: The Nigerian Air Force in Perspective” to participants of National Defence College Course 34 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja on Friday.
The audience included senior officers of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Police Force, as well as participants from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and 20 international participants from allied countries.
The Air Chief said Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, with terrorists, bandits, separatist groups and transnational criminal networks adopting new technologies and tactics to evade security forces and threaten national stability.
He stressed that tackling such threats requires strong collaboration among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions through intelligence sharing, joint planning and coordinated operations.
According to him, air power has become a critical tool for national security by providing rapid intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, precision strikes, border security, protection of critical infrastructure and quick deployment of forces where needed.
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that no single security service can effectively address the country’s security challenges alone.
He noted that the greatest impact of air power is achieved when it operates alongside land and maritime forces in well-coordinated joint operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff also highlighted emerging threats such as cybercrime, the use of unmanned aerial systems, piracy, arms trafficking and information warfare, warning that criminal groups increasingly exploit cyberspace and social media to spread disinformation and undermine public confidence.
Reflecting on the Nigerian Air Force’s journey over the past six decades, he said the Service remains committed to strengthening its operational capabilities through indigenous innovation, advanced intelligence systems, modern technology, logistics improvement and strategic partnerships.
He added that national security goes beyond protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and also includes safeguarding democratic institutions, critical infrastructure, economic growth and the well-being of citizens.
Air Marshal Aneke urged participants of the National Defence College to continue promoting innovation, joint operations and inter-agency cooperation as key strategies for addressing Nigeria’s changing security landscape.
The lecture formed part of the Nigerian Air Force’s efforts to strengthen strategic leadership, enhance military cooperation and reinforce the role of air power in supporting national security, regional stability and international peace operations.
Air Chief Calls for Intelligence-Led Operations to Tackle Nigeria’s Security Challenges
