By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air operations across the North-West, vowing to sustain pressure on terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other hostile elements threatening vulnerable communities in the region.
The Service said it has strengthened its air presence in Sokoto State as part of ongoing joint security operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, protecting communities and supporting ground forces operating across the zone.
The development comes shortly after NAF platforms deployed under Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, conducted precision air strikes against identified terrorist enclaves in forests across Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas of Borno State.
The military said the strikes killed more than 26 terrorist fighters at identified locations.
Speaking on the ongoing operations under Operation Fansan Yamman, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the NAF would continue to optimise the use of air power in support of joint security operations.
Aneke said the evolving security environment requires timely intelligence, responsive air power and effective coordination between aerial and ground forces.
He said the objective was to sustain pressure on criminal elements, restrict their freedom of movement and create favourable conditions for ground forces to dominate operational areas.
The Chief of the Air Staff also stressed the importance of protecting civilians while conducting military operations, saying the NAF would continue to deploy air power professionally and in coordination with sister services and other security agencies.
According to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the strengthened air presence forms part of the Service’s broader strategy to maintain operational readiness and deliver decisive air support to ongoing joint operations.
The Service said its approach places emphasis on intelligence-led operations, aerial surveillance, innovation, rapid response and closer integration between air and ground forces.
It added that increased air operations were particularly important in confronting asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground troops.
The NAF said the reach, speed and flexibility of air power would enable security forces to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements while creating opportunities for ground troops to consolidate their operations.
Ejodame reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West.
He said the NAF would continue working with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and safeguard vulnerable communities.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to relevant authorities.
The NAF said sustained cooperation between communities and security agencies remains critical to confronting the region’s evolving security challenges and creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens.
