By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has declared that airpower remains a decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism and internal security operations, underscoring its critical role in protecting lives, securing communities, and safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Air Marshal Aneke made the assertion on February 19, 2026, during an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he assessed the unit’s combat readiness before joining the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs for the flag-off of Operation Savannah Shield.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the visit and subsequent launch of the joint operation reinforced the Armed Forces’ unified resolve to intensify counterterrorism and internal security operations in Kwara State and across the country.
During the inspection of operational aircraft, maintenance facilities, and mission support infrastructure, the Air Chief highlighted the strategic advantages of airpower in modern warfare.
“Airpower gives us speed, reach and precision. When intelligently applied, it becomes a decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism operations,” he said.
He commended officers, airmen, and airwomen of the unit for their professionalism and operational preparedness, stressing that readiness must be sustained through discipline, intelligence, and continuous maintenance of platforms.
“Operational readiness is not a one-time achievement; it is a sustained culture. Our platforms must be serviceable, our intelligence must be actionable, and our personnel must remain mission-focused at all times,” he stated, assuring them of continued support from Headquarters in logistics, training, and welfare.
Addressing personnel during a durbar, the Air Chief noted the evolving nature of asymmetric threats and emphasised the need for adaptive strategies, stronger inter-agency cooperation, and high morale to achieve mission success.
The visit culminated in the formal launch of Operation Savannah Shield by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, who described the mission as intelligence-driven and structured to deliver sustainable security outcomes.
He explained that the operation combines both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, integrating intelligence, surveillance, and coordinated ground and air actions to neutralise threats and restore lasting peace.
The ceremony featured the decoration of the Operations Commander with operational insignia and the symbolic handover of the operation flag to the Theatre Commander, marking the commencement of coordinated joint task force operations.
In his keynote address, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the Armed Forces for their commitment to restoring peace and stability in the state.
He expressed optimism that the operation would enhance security and bring relief to residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
“Residents of the state will sleep better now,” the governor said, pledging sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies to consolidate the gains of the operation.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment, Air Marshal Aneke said the Service would continue to deploy smart airpower capabilities to support ground forces and deny criminal elements freedom of action.
“This operation reflects our collective determination to deny criminal elements any sanctuary. We will dominate the airspace, provide persistent surveillance, and deliver precise air support wherever required,” he declared.
He added that the Air Force would sustain intelligence-driven missions and rapid response operations to strengthen national security and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
