Air and Ground Forces Deepen Operational Synergy To Intensify Onslaught Against Bandits In North West

Air and Ground Forces Deepen Operational Synergy To Intensify Onslaught Against Bandits In North West

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Component of Joint Task Force North West (JTF NW), Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, and the 2 National Mission Force Brigade have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint operations in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers across Southern Kaduna and the wider Joint Operations Area. During a strategic engagement at the NAF Base, Kaduna, both commanders pledged to deepen operational integration, intelligence sharing and mission coordination, reinforcing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unified approach to denying criminal elements freedom of action and enhancing security across the theatre.

Commending the professionalism and resilience of personnel, the Commander, 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Navy Captain OJ Ekuma, noted that the renewed collaboration aligns with the Chief of Defence Staff’s directive for troops to outpace criminal elements through proactive and coordinated operations. The Air Component Commander Air Commodore OA Okpara reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining round-the-clock Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), close air support and precision air interdiction missions to ensure that air power continues to serve as a decisive force multiplier for ground operations. He noted that the renewed operational synergy is in line with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has consistently emphasised that “decisive air power delivers its greatest effect when seamlessly integrated with surface operations. By operating as one team, we strengthen our collective ability to outmanoeuvre, disrupt and decisively neutralise threats in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.”

The engagement underscores the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthen inter-service cooperation as a critical enabler of operational success. By fostering seamless collaboration between air and ground forces, the Services are sustaining relentless pressure on criminal networks, consolidating security gains and advancing a unified campaign to restore lasting peace, protect communities and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.