By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering resolve to intensify air operations against insurgent and terrorist groups across the country, stressing that the Service remains firmly committed to decisive, intelligence-driven missions in all operational theatres.
Air Marshal Aneke made this known on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, during a high-level strategic meeting with Air Component Commanders (ACCs), which he described as a critical warfighting review forum aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and accelerating the restoration of peace nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS said the meeting provided an opportunity to comprehensively assess ongoing operations, identify and close operational gaps, and align airpower strategies with evolving security threats.
According to him, counter-insurgency operations demand speed, precision, and sustained pressure on hostile elements. He charged commanders to dominate the battlespace through superior coordination, innovation, and professionalism, noting that every mission and operational decision must contribute directly to achieving total security restoration. He further assured that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to project overwhelming airpower in support of ground troops and joint operations.
Commending the Air Component Commanders and their personnel, Air Marshal Aneke praised their courage, resilience, and discipline under challenging combat conditions. He noted that their sacrifices have resulted in measurable gains, including the degradation of insurgent capabilities and the disruption of hostile networks nationwide. He said these successes align with his Command Philosophy of building a highly motivated, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive results.
The CAS, however, cautioned that the security environment remains dynamic and requires constant adaptation. He directed commanders to intensify intelligence-led operations, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and maximise the use of modern technology to stay ahead of emerging threats. He also underscored the importance of standardised training, predictive maintenance, and rapid logistics support as key pillars for sustaining combat effectiveness.
The strategic meeting featured detailed operational briefings and interactive sessions, with Branch Chiefs and senior officers contributing to the development of a unified operational roadmap for future missions.
Reassuring Nigerians, Air Marshal Aneke stated that the Nigerian Air Force is maintaining relentless operational momentum and will not cede ground to forces threatening national stability. He emphasised that all operations are guided by the protection of civilians, national assets, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“The Nigerian Air Force stands as a shield over the nation. We remain vigilant, aggressive against threats, and fully committed to our constitutional duty of safeguarding the country,” he said.
The NAF further assured the public that its current operational posture is designed to deliver sustained security gains, adding that the Service will continue to evolve, strengthen partnerships, and apply decisive airpower until lasting peace is achieved. Nigerians were urged to remain confident in the Armed Forces, as the CAS reiterated that the path ahead is defined by resilience, professionalism, and an unshakeable determination to protect the nation.
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