The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has moved to reassure the nation amid growing security concerns, declaring that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is intensifying its air campaign against terrorists across all theatres of operation.
During an operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, Air Marshal Aneke vowed that the Service would “go all out” to neutralise terrorist threats and restore public confidence. “Airpower remains fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined to dominate the battlespace,” he stated.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed in a statement that the CAS directed heightened synergy with ground forces, expanded intelligence-driven missions, and wider precision-strike operations to deny terrorists freedom of action.
Welcoming the CAS, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, reaffirmed the readiness of troops to implement the CAS’ strategic vision.
This commitment was further reflected in a detailed operational briefing by the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore M. B. Ahmed, who outlined recent strike successes, extended intelligence coverage, and ongoing interdiction missions targeting terrorist strongholds.
Addressing frontline personnel, Air Marshal Aneke praised their “resilience, courage, and professionalism,” noting the pivotal role of the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group in degrading insurgent capabilities. He urged them to remain on the offensive:
“We must keep taking the fight to the enemy. The nation sees your sacrifice and stands behind you.”
The CAS emphasised that his visit aimed at assessing real-time conditions, strengthening morale, and enhancing combat efficiency. He reiterated his welfare-focused leadership philosophy—Welfare for Enhanced Warfare—assuring improved logistics, medical services, administrative structures, and timely operational allowances.
He further highlighted his strategic priorities: intelligence-led missions, precision targeting, tighter joint operations, and smarter deployment of airpower. “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he declared, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support of the Service
As part of the visit, the CAS paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, where he commended the state’s “Borno Model” of community-based stabilisation. He also acknowledged the government’s consistent support to NAF operations, particularly through logistics and strategic land allocations in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum, in response, commended the NAF and other security agencies for their enduring commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Reaffirming NAF’s resolve, Air Marshal Aneke delivered a strong message to Nigerians:
“Your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat. We will find the terrorists, we will neutralise them, and we will honour our fallen heroes by ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain.”
