By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has moved to reassure Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) firm commitment to intensifying air operations against terrorists across the country. He described the period as a critical moment that demands renewed resolve, unity, and stronger joint efforts to restore national confidence.
“We will go all out against them,” the CAS declared, emphasising that airpower remains fully committed, fully engaged, and strategically deployed to dominate the battlespace and neutralise threats wherever they arise.
In a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, the CAS made the remark during his operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025.
He announced that the NAF is deepening synergy with ground forces, expanding precision-strike capabilities, and strengthening intelligence-driven missions to restrict terrorist freedom of action across all theatres.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, reaffirmed the readiness of personnel to fully implement the CAS’ strategic vision. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve coordination with land forces, enhance intelligence gathering, and boost rapid-response strike efficiency.
This was followed by a detailed operational briefing by the Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, who outlined current mission taskings, recent strike successes, intelligence coverage, and plans to push interdiction missions deeper into terrorist hideouts.
Addressing frontline airmen and airwomen, Air Marshal Aneke commended their “resilience, courage, and professionalism,” stressing that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the 105 Composite Group remain pivotal in the national fight against insurgency and terrorism.
He noted that despite evolving challenges, air operations continue to play a decisive role in degrading terrorist capabilities and protecting communities.
“We must stay on the offensive and keep taking the fight to the enemy from the air. The nation sees your sacrifice and stands behind you,” he said.
The CAS explained that his visit was to assess real-time operational conditions, interact directly with personnel, and address issues affecting combat effectiveness. Reiterating his leadership philosophy of Welfare for Enhanced Warfare, he assured troops of strengthened logistics, improved medical and administrative support, and continued prioritisation of operational allowances.
He further outlined a strategic direction focused on intelligence-led missions, precision targeting, enhanced jointness, and smarter deployment of air assets. “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he stated.
The CAS also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Service, pledging that such confidence will be repaid with professionalism and operational excellence.
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