By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has moved to reassure the nation amid heightened security concerns, directing the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to unleash fiercer, smarter and more intelligence-driven air operations to crush terrorists across all theatres of operation. In an official signed statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the CAS described the period as a defining moment requiring renewed strength, unity, and absolute resolve.
Air Marshal Aneke, who declared that the NAF will “go all out against them,” emphasised that airpower remains fully engaged, fully committed, and strategically positioned to dominate the battlespace and neutralise terrorist threats wherever they may seek refuge. He made the declaration during his operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, where he announced sweeping measures to enhance joint operations, deepen precision-strike capabilities, and expand intelligence-driven missions designed to deny terrorists any freedom of action.
In his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, reaffirmed the readiness of airmen to fully implement the CAS’ strategic direction by strengthening coordination with ground forces, improving intelligence fusion, and pushing forward rapid-response strike capability. This was followed by a detailed operational briefing by the Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, who highlighted current taskings, recent strike outcomes, intelligence surveillance coverage, and ongoing efforts to project interdiction missions deeper into terrorist enclaves across the Northeast.
Addressing frontline personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the 105 Composite Group, Air Marshal Aneke praised their “resilience, courage, and professionalism,” describing them as “a driving force in our fight against insurgency and terrorism.” He acknowledged recent challenges but insisted that air operations remain central to degrading terrorist networks, dismantling logistics corridors, and providing sustained support to ground forces and local 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, signalling a renewed, uncompromising push to strengthen battlefield dominance.
The CAS noted that his visit was aimed at obtaining a first-hand assessment of operational conditions, engaging directly with personnel, and addressing key factors that influence combat effectiveness. He reaffirmed his leadership philosophy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare”, pledging strengthened logistical backing, improved medical and administrative systems, and continued prioritisation of operational allowances for troops in the frontlines. Outlining his strategic direction, he stressed enhanced jointness, precision targeting, intelligence-led operations, and smarter deployment of air assets. “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he declared. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support to the Service, noting that such confidence would be repaid with professionalism, discipline and operational excellence.
During the visit, Air Marshal Aneke also paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum. He commended the governor’s widely acclaimed “Borno Model” of community-based stabilisation and acknowledged the state government’s consistent support to NAF operations, especially through strategic land allocations and logistical interventions that have enhanced the Service’s operational posture in Maiduguri. He pledged to deepen collaboration with the state government, sister Services and other security stakeholders, insisting that “the people of Borno deserve nothing less.” Governor Zulum, in his remarks, lauded the NAF and other Services for their unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property in the state.
Reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria, the CAS concluded with a strong message of national assurance. “Let every Nigerian know this: your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat. We will find the terrorists, we will neutralise them, we will rescue our citizens, and we will honour our fallen heroes by ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain. The Nigerian Air Force stands resolute, unshakeable, and ready to defend this nation with every asset at its disposal,” he declared.
