The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has intensified aerial operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the North-West.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued Monday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. Ejodame said the increased deployment of air assets in Sokoto State was aimed at strengthening ongoing joint security operations in the area.
According to him, the expanded air presence is particularly important in confronting asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces. The deployment is also expected to strengthen aerial surveillance and improve the military’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats within the Joint Operations Area.
Ejodame said the NAF’s air capabilities would enable security forces to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements while restricting their freedom of movement. He added that sustained aerial pressure would create opportunities for ground forces to consolidate gains made during operations.
The NAF spokesperson quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying that the service would continue to optimise air power in support of joint operations. Aneke said the evolving security situation required timely intelligence, responsive air operations and effective coordination between aerial and surface forces.
“Our objective is clear: to sustain pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action, and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment.”
The Chief of the Air Staff added that the NAF would continue deploying air power professionally and decisively alongside sister services and other security agencies. He stressed that civilian safety would remain a major consideration during operations.
Aneke said the intensified deployment was also consistent with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force.
He identified intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness and joint-force integration as key elements of the strategy. According to him, these priorities would strengthen the NAF’s capacity to deliver decisive air power in support of national security.
The Chief of the Air Staff also reaffirmed the service’s commitment to supporting efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West. He said the NAF would continue working closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, dismantle criminal networks and safeguard communities.
Aneke urged members of the public to support the ongoing security campaign by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities. The intensified operations in Sokoto form part of the NAF’s broader effort to maintain pressure on hostile elements and strengthen joint security operations across the North-West.
