Nigerian Air Force Airpower Strikes Fear Into Bandits As Governor Radda Hails NAF Aircraft As North-West’s Most Feared Weapon

Nigerian Air Force Airpower Strikes Fear Into Bandits As Governor Radda Hails NAF Aircraft As North-West’s Most Feared Weapon

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft have emerged as one of the most feared weapons among terrorists and bandits operating in the North-West, underscoring the critical role of airpower in degrading criminal capabilities and denying them freedom of action. Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State made the observation on 20 August 2026 when the Chief of Operations, NAF, Air Vice Marshal PN Amadi, paid an operational visit to the Air Component, Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) Sector 2, Katsina.

The Governor commended the NAF for its sustained sacrifices and contributions to the fight against insecurity, particularly its ability to project decisive force into difficult and inaccessible locations exploited by terrorists and other criminal elements. He assured the Service of the continued support of the Katsina State Government towards ongoing air and ground operations.

During the visit, Air Vice Marshal Amadi reaffirmed the NAF’s resolve to sustain intensified air operations against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across Katsina State and the wider North-West. He stressed that effective collaboration among the Armed Forces, other security agencies, government authorities and local communities remains critical to restoring lasting peace and security.

The visit further reinforced the strategic direction of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, particularly the commitment to the welfare, readiness and effectiveness of frontline personnel, as well as the NAF’s determination to sustain decisive airpower effects aimed at degrading criminal networks and denying terrorists and bandits the freedom to operate.

The Chief of Operations, accompanied by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal EK Gabkwet, was received by the Air Component Commander, OPFY Sector 2, Air Commodore CE Illoh.