Nigerian Air Force Vows to Deny Extremists Freedom to Threaten Communities in North-West

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged to deny terrorists, bandits, and other hostile elements the freedom to threaten vulnerable communities in the North-West region. This commitment comes as the NAF intensifies its joint operations against emerging security threats in the area, including a strengthened air presence in Sokoto State.

This intensified effort follows recent successes in Borno State, where NAF platforms, operating under Operation Hadin Kai, delivered precision-guided munitions against identified terrorist enclaves. These strikes reportedly killed more than 26 terrorist fighters in the Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas.

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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. We will continue to employ air power intelligently, professionally and decisively, in synergy with our sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians.

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, stated that the NAF will continue to optimize air power to support ongoing joint operations. He emphasized the need for timely intelligence, responsive air power, and seamless integration with ground forces to address the evolving security environment. The NAF remains focused on maintaining operational readiness to sustain pressure on criminal elements and enable surface forces to dominate the operational landscape.

According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF's Director of Public Relations and Information, this initiative aligns with the CAS's philosophy of fostering a motivated, professional, and mission-ready force. The NAF is committed to intelligence-led operations, innovation, and joint-force integration, aiming to deliver decisive air power effects for national security objectives. The strengthened air presence is particularly crucial for combating asymmetric threats where militants exploit difficult terrain and concealment.

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The initiative reflects the Service’s determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain the capacity for rapid response to emerging threats, while providing effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area.