The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its airpower campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West, strengthening its air presence in Sokoto State to deny terrorists and other hostile elements freedom of movement and action.
According to an official statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, the strengthened air presence is designed to enhance aerial surveillance, sustain pressure on criminal elements and provide rapid air support to ground forces conducting joint operations across the region.
The Service said the move would further enhance its ability to respond to emerging threats and support surface forces operating within the Joint Operations Area.
The NAF explained that the enhanced air presence was particularly important in confronting asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces.
By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of airpower, the Service said it would be better positioned to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement and create opportunities for ground troops to consolidate their gains.
Speaking on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the NAF would continue to optimise the employment of airpower to deliver decisive effects in support of ongoing joint operations.
According to Aneke, the changing security environment requires timely intelligence, responsive airpower and seamless coordination between air and surface forces.
“Our objective is clear: to sustain the pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment,” the CAS stated.
He added that the NAF would continue to employ airpower “intelligently, professionally and decisively” in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for civilian safety.
The NAF said the initiative was consistent with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of building and sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.
The Service also reaffirmed its focus on intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness and joint-force integration as key elements of its strategy for addressing contemporary security threats.
The NAF said it remained committed to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West, adding that it would continue working with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt terrorist and criminal networks and safeguard communities.
The Service urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.
