Chief Of Air Staff Sustains Counter-Terrorism Momentum, Strengthens Frontline Morale At Easter Luncheon In Kaduna

Chief Of Air Staff Sustains Counter-Terrorism Momentum, Strengthens Frontline Morale At Easter Luncheon In Kaduna

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended personnel of the Nigerian Air Force serving under the Air Component, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, for their professionalism, resilience, and steadfast commitment to ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Speaking during the Easter Luncheon held on Sunday, 5 April 2026, at the Headquarters, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1 in Kaduna, the CAS, represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal SA Bukar, described Easter as a solemn season of sacrifice, hope, and renewal, values that closely mirror the ethos of military service. He noted that the troops’ unwavering dedication, sustained operational tempo, and readiness posture continue to deliver tangible effects in degrading terrorist elements and reinforcing security and stability within the theatre.

The CAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining counter-terrorism momentum through continuous mission-oriented training, intelligence-led air operations, enhanced logistics support, and deliberate prioritisation of personnel welfare. He urged the troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and resolute in the discharge of their duties, while paying tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, as well as personnel still deployed across demanding operational environments. Earlier, the Air Component Commander, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 1, Air Commodore OA Okpara, expressed appreciation for the CAS’s unwavering support and commended the troops for recent operational gains. He noted that ongoing precision strikes, armed reconnaissance, and surveillance missions have continued to degrade terrorist and criminal elements, while significantly restricting their freedom of movement within the joint operations area.

The luncheon also featured cultural dance performances, musical displays, and other recreational activities designed to provide relaxation and further strengthen esprit de corps among personnel. In a notable demonstration of leadership presence and humility, the Special Guest of Honour, alongside the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Esen Paul Efanga, and other senior officers, personally served meals to troops, reinforcing unity, camaraderie, and mutual respect across all ranks. The Easter Luncheon once again underscored the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to troop welfare, frontline morale, and sustained counter-terrorism momentum in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.