BY TONY UDOKA
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has issued a decisive directive for more aggressive and intelligence-driven air operations, moving to reassure Nigerians amid mounting security concerns and recent spikes in terrorist activity.
Speaking during an operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, Air Marshal Aneke said the nation was at a defining moment that demanded renewed unity, sharper strategy, and unwavering resolve.
“We will go all out against them,” he vowed, emphasising that airpower remains “fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined” to dominate the battlespace and crush terrorist threats wherever they arise.
During the visit, the CAS announced a sweeping reinforcement of synergy with ground troops, with intensified precision-strike missions and expanded intelligence-led operations across all theatres of conflict.
According to him, the NAF is deepening its coordination with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to choke off terrorist movements, disrupt command structures, and deny insurgents the ability to regroup or manoeuvre.
At the welcome briefing, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, assured the CAS of the readiness of personnel to fully implement his strategic direction. He pledged tighter jointness, improved surveillance, and faster response times to emerging threats.
This was followed by an operational briefing by the Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore M. B. Ahmed, who detailed recent airstrike successes, current mission assignments, and ongoing efforts to push interdiction sorties deeper into terrorist hideouts.
Addressing air personnel at the frontline, Air Marshal Aneke saluted their “resilience, courage, and professionalism,” calling them a driving force in the larger national fight against insurgency.
He stressed that air operations remain central to degrading terrorist capabilities and shielding civilian communities from attacks.
“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, urging troops to maintain momentum as the NAF strengthens air cover for ground forces and increases the tempo of combat sorties.
The CAS noted that his visit was part of an ongoing assessment of field conditions to address factors affecting combat efficiency.
Reiterating his welfare-first leadership philosophy — Welfare for Enhanced Warfare — he assured personnel of improved logistics, enhanced medical and administrative services, and continued prioritisation of operational allowances.
He outlined strategic priorities for the months ahead, including smarter use of air assets, enhanced precision targeting, intelligence-led mission planning, and stronger joint operations.
“Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he said, while expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sustained support to the Air Force.
As part of his engagements, Air Marshal Aneke paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
He applauded the “Borno Model” of community-focused stabilisation and acknowledged the state government’s consistent support to NAF operations through logistical backing and strategic land allocations that have enhanced the Service’s posture in the Northeast.
“The people of Borno deserve nothing less,” Aneke told the governor, pledging deeper collaboration with the state government, other military services, and civilian stakeholders.
Governor Zulum, in his response, commended the NAF and sister services for their unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.
Air Marshal Aneke ended his visit with a firm message of reassurance to citizens.
“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 their sacrifice was not in vain,” he assured.
He added that the NAF remains resolute and ready to defend the
nation “with every asset at its disposal.”