NAF Intensifies Air Operations Against Terrorists, Bandits in North-West
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West, with a strengthened air presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing joint security operations.
The move is aimed at enhancing aerial surveillance, improving rapid response capabilities and providing sustained air support to ground forces operating across the region.
The strengthened air presence is expected to further support efforts to locate, disrupt and degrade terrorist and bandit groups operating in difficult terrain, while restricting their freedom of movement and creating greater opportunities for surface forces to consolidate operations on the ground.
The NAF said the initiative underscores the importance of effective air-ground coordination in tackling the evolving security challenges confronting communities across the North-West.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the Service would continue to optimise the deployment of airpower in support of ongoing joint operations.
He stressed that the changing security environment requires timely intelligence, responsive airpower and seamless coordination among the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Our objective is clear: to sustain the pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment,” the CAS said.
According to him, the NAF would continue to employ airpower intelligently, professionally and decisively while working closely with sister Services and other security agencies.
He also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting civilians during military operations.
The initiative is in line with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces towards achieving Nigeria’s national security objectives.
The NAF further emphasised that intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness and joint-force integration remain critical to effectively confronting contemporary security threats.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West, while working with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt criminal networks and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The NAF also urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.
NAF Intensifies Air Operations Against Terrorists, Bandits in North-West