By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its airpower operations in Nigeria’s Northeast as part of efforts to strengthen security and consolidate military gains against insurgent groups operating in the region.
The renewed operational push is being driven by the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has reaffirmed the service’s commitment to maintaining sustained air dominance in support of ground troops under Operation HADIN KAI.
As part of this directive, the Chief of Operations at NAF Headquarters, PN Amadi, embarked on an operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on March 11, 2026, on behalf of the Air Chief.
The visit was aimed at reviewing the operational environment and assessing the readiness of the base to sustain high-tempo joint military operations in the theatre.
During the visit, commanders of the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group delivered detailed operational and base defence briefings, highlighting the base’s preparedness and resilience in executing ongoing missions.
According to the Air Chief, the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to maintaining a persistent aerial presence across the conflict theatre.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains focused on maintaining persistent air presence, delivering precision effects, and providing the critical advantage required for joint forces to sustain operational superiority across the theatre,” Air Marshal Aneke stated.
To further strengthen inter-service coordination, Air Vice Marshal Amadi also visited the Headquarters of the Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI, where he reiterated the NAF’s commitment to seamless collaboration with ground forces in order to achieve lasting security outcomes in the region.
In a related development, the Air Force confirmed that recent precision air operations conducted in the Sambisa general area on March 11, 2026, led to the destruction of four hostile gun trucks along with other logistics assets belonging to insurgent fighters.
The operation, carried out after credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, significantly disrupted the mobility and operational capability of the armed groups in the area.
Military authorities say the strike highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven airpower in supporting ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the Northeast.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, MC Ekwueme, also visited NAF Base Maiduguri to boost troop morale and reinforce the service’s commitment to operational excellence.
The series of high-level engagements reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s proactive posture in combating insurgency and safeguarding national security.
Air Marshal Aneke stressed that the service will continue to dominate the air domain while supporting joint forces to consolidate recent military gains.
“The NAF will continue to dominate the air domain, protect civilian populations, and support joint forces in consolidating hard-won gains toward lasting national security,” he added.
