The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has moved to reassure Nigerians amid rising security concerns, directing the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to intensify air operations and deliver more precise, intelligence-driven strikes against terrorist groups nationwide.
During an operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, Air Marshal Aneke declared that the NAF is “fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined” to dominate the battlespace and eliminate terrorist threats wherever they emerge. “We will go all out against them,” he said, calling for renewed national unity and confidence.
In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air ForceAir Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the CAS disclosed that the NAF is strengthening joint operations with ground forces, widening precision-strike campaigns, and expanding surveillance and intelligence missions across all theatres. He said these measures are intended to deny terrorists any freedom of action and to reinforce the broader counter-insurgency effort.
In his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, said troops are prepared to implement the CAS’s strategic directives, especially on tighter coordination with land forces and improved rapid-response capability. A comprehensive operational briefing by the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore M. B. Ahmed, highlighted recent strike successes, ongoing missions, and efforts to extend interdiction operations deeper into terrorist hideouts.
Addressing frontline personnel, Air Marshal Aneke praised the “resilience, courage, and professionalism” of the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group, noting that air operations remain pivotal to degrading terrorist networks and protecting vulnerable communities. “We must stay on the offensive. The nation sees your sacrifice and stands behind you,” he said.
The CAS emphasised that his visit aimed to assess frontline conditions and address issues affecting operational efficiency. Reiterating his welfare-focused leadership model, he assured personnel of stronger logistical support, enhanced medical and administrative systems, and prioritised operational allowances. He stressed that under his command, the NAF will pursue “intelligence-led missions, precision targeting, enhanced jointness, and smarter deployment of airpower.” “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he declared.
Air Marshal Aneke also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, commending the state’s support to NAF operations, particularly through logistics and land allocations that have strengthened the Service’s footprint in Maiduguri. The governor in turn applauded the NAF and other security agencies for their steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property.
Reassuring citizens of the NAF’s resolve, Air Marshal Aneke concluded: “Your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat. We will find the terrorists, neutralise them, rescue our citizens, and honour our fallen heroes. The Nigerian Air Force stands resolute and ready to defend this nation with every asset at its disposal.”
