Chief Of Air Staff Moves To Reassure Nation, Directs Fiercer, Smarter Air Operations To Crush Terrorists

Chief Of Air Staff Moves To Reassure Nation, Directs Fiercer, Smarter Air Operations To Crush Terrorists

Amid heightened national security concerns, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering resolve to intensify the air campaign against terrorists and restore public confidence. Describing this moment as a call for renewed strength and unity, the CAS assured Nigerians that the NAF is stepping up operations on all fronts. “We will go all out against them,” he declared, stressing that airpower remains fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined to dominate the battlespace and neutralise terrorist threats wherever they emerge.

During his operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, the CAS announced that the NAF is strengthening synergy with ground forces, widening precision-strike operations, and expanding intelligence-driven missions to deny terrorists any freedom of action across the theatres of operation.

In his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, reaffirmed the readiness of troops to fully implement the CAS’ strategic direction to push for tighter coordination with land forces, improved intelligence, and enhanced rapid-response strike capability. This was followed by a comprehensive operational briefing by the Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, who outlined current tasking, recent strike outcomes, intelligence coverage, and ongoing efforts to extend interdiction missions deeper into terrorist enclaves.

Addressing frontline personnel, Air Marshal Aneke praised the “resilience, courage, and professionalism” of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the 105 Composite Group, describing them as “a driving force in our fight against insurgency and terrorism.” He stressed that despite recent challenges, air operations remain central to degrading terrorist capabilities, dismantling their networks, and safeguarding communities. “We must stay on the offensive and keep taking the fight to the enemy from the air. The nation sees your sacrifice and stands behind you,” he reaffirmed, signalling a renewed push to protect troops, support ground operations, and restore stability across the region.

The CAS emphasised that his visit was aimed at assessing real-time conditions, engaging with personnel, and addressing factors that influence combat effectiveness. He restated his welfare-driven leadership philosophy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” assuring personnel of strengthened logistical support, enhanced medical and administrative systems, and the continued prioritisation of operational allowances. Outlining his strategic direction, the CAS stressed intelligence-led missions, precision targeting, enhanced jointness, and smarter deployment of airpower. “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he declared. He also expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his sustained support to the NAF, adding that such confidence must be repaid with utmost professionalism and operational excellence.

During the visit, Air Marshal Aneke paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. He commended the governor’s “Borno Model” of community-based stabilisation and acknowledged the government’s consistent support to NAF operations, particularly through logistical interventions and strategic land allocations that have enhanced the Service’s posture in Maiduguri. He pledged to strengthen collaboration with the state government, sister services, and all stakeholders, noting that “the people of Borno deserve nothing less.” The Governor, in his remarks, commended the NAF and other Services for their unwavering commitment to security of lives and properties in the State.

Reaffirming NAF’s commitment to peace and stability across Nigeria, Air Marshal Aneke concluded with a strong message of assurance to the Nigerian people: “Let every Nigerian know this, your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat. We will find the terrorists, we will neutralise them, we will rescue our citizens, and we will honour our fallen heroes by ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain. The Nigerian Air Force stands resolute, unshakeable, and ready to defend this nation with every asset at its disposal.”