The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has described airpower as a “decisive force multiplier” essential for neutralizing asymmetric threats and securing Nigerian communities.
The CAS made these remarks on Thursday during an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group (CG) in Ilorin, shortly before the official flag-off of OPERATION SAVANNAH SHIELD, a new joint security offensive designed to flush out criminal elements in Kwara State and surrounding regions.
During an inspection of mission support infrastructure and maintenance facilities at the 303 CG, Air Marshal Aneke emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) leverages speed, reach, and precision to dominate the battlespace.
“Operational readiness is not a one-time achievement; it is a sustained culture,” the CAS told personnel. “Our platforms must be serviceable, our intelligence must be actionable, and our personnel must remain mission-focused at all times.”
He further pledged that the NAF Headquarters would continue to prioritize logistics, training, and welfare to ensure the unit remains responsive to emerging security challenges.
The visit reached its peak at the flag-off of Operation Savannah Shield, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede. The CDS detailed a strategic framework for the mission that merges kinetic strikes with non-kinetic community engagement to ensure long-term stability.
The ceremony was marked by high-level military tradition, including the decoration of the Operations Commander with the operational insignia, The formal handover of the operation flag to the Theatre Commander and a directive for intensified inter-agency cooperation.
In a keynote address, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed profound relief at the launch of the joint task force.
“Residents of the state would sleep better now,” the Governor remarked, noting that the presence of the military has already brought a sense of reassurance to vulnerable communities. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their bid to restore total peace.
Reiterating the NAF’s commitment to the new operation, Air Marshal Aneke vowed that the air component would deny criminal elements any sanctuary.
“We will dominate the airspace, provide persistent surveillance, and deliver precise air support wherever required,” he declared. He concluded by affirming that the NAF will continue to project “smart airpower” to protect Nigerian sovereignty and secure lives.
