The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has described airpower as a decisive force multiplier in counterterrorism operations, stressing its speed, reach and precision when effectively applied.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, following the CAS operational visit to the 303 Composite Group, Nigerian Air Force, Ilorin, on February 19, 2026.
The visit formed part of activities leading to the official flag-off of Operation Savannah Shield by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, alongside other service chiefs. The engagements reinforced the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unified commitment to intensifying counterterrorism and internal security operations in Kwara State and across the country.
During the inspection of operational platforms, maintenance facilities and mission support infrastructure, Air Marshal Aneke commended personnel for their professionalism and combat readiness, noting that operational effectiveness must be sustained at all times.
He emphasised that intelligence, serviceability of platforms and mission-focused personnel remain critical to success.
The operational visit culminated in the flag-off ceremony of Operation Savannah Shield, where the CDS outlined the strategic framework of the mission. He noted that the operation is intelligence-led and structured to combine both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to achieve lasting security outcomes.
The ceremony featured the decoration of the Operations Commander with the operational insignia and the formal handover of the operation flag to the Theatre Commander, symbolising the commencement of coordinated joint task force operations.
In his keynote address, the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commended the Armed Forces for their dedication to restoring peace and security. He expressed optimism that the operation would strengthen safety across the state and pledged continued collaboration between the government and security agencies.
The CAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustained air presence, intelligence-driven missions and rapid response capabilities.
