The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to decisively confronting insurgents, terrorists, and criminal groups threatening national security. He gave the assurance during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2 at the 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina.
According to Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Air Marshal Aneke charged personnel to intensify efforts in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to eliminate all security threats endangering the lives of Nigerians. He said the extensive support from the Federal Government — including new platforms, advanced weapon systems, and enhanced training — places an enormous responsibility on the Nigerian Air Force to deliver results.
Describing the nation’s security challenges as increasingly complex, the CAS lamented the brutality of non-state actors who continue to inflict violence and loss of innocent lives. He urged personnel to honour the sacrifices of fallen NAF heroes by remaining resilient, innovative, and precise.
“We cannot relent for a moment,” he said. “Wherever they hide — in forests, valleys, or remote villages — our forces will find them. We will strike with precision. Our mission is clear: to hunt them down and protect our people.”
Air Marshal Aneke commended the troops for their courage and professionalism amid the difficult operating environment, calling on them to sustain the momentum and uphold the service’s values of discipline, patriotism, and sacrifice.
Reiterating his leadership philosophy, he pledged to match the frontline effort of personnel with strengthened welfare and support systems. “A force that fights hard must also live well,” he said, assuring continued investment in modern capabilities, intelligence systems, and technology-driven air operations.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, assured the CAS of the troops’ readiness to execute his strategic vision. Air Commodore C.E. Illoh, the Air Component Commander, presented an operational brief highlighting recent gains and evolving strategies across the theatre.
The CAS, accompanied by senior NAF officers, also inspected key operational, logistics, engineering, medical, and recreational facilities before holding an interactive durbar with officers, airmen, and airwomen. He urged them to remain committed and ensure every mission contributes meaningfully to the overall campaign plan.
Air Marshal Aneke’s visit, the NAF said, underscores the service’s resolve to pursue intelligence-driven, precision-led operations to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens.
