NAF Vows to Deny Extremists Freedom to Threaten Vulnerable Places in North West

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has pledged to prevent terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, extremists and hostile forces from threatening vulnerable communities in North-West Nigeria. In the wake of intensified joint security operations, the service has bolstered its air presence in Sokoto State. This pledge emerged mere hours after NAF platforms, operating under Joint Task Force North-East's Operation Hadin Kai, launched precision-guided munitions against terrorist strongholds in Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas of Borno State, resulting in the deaths of over 26 militants.

Speaking about the ongoing collaborative operations under Operation Fansan Yamman, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke affirmed the NAF's commitment to leveraging air power to deliver decisive effects in support of joint operations. He emphasized the necessity of combining timely intelligence, responsive air power, and seamless integration with ground forces, while maintaining operational readiness.

Air Marshal Aneke outlined the NAF's objective as sustaining pressure on criminal elements, denying them the freedom to act, and creating conditions for ground forces to dominate the operational environment. The initiative aligns with the CAS's Command Philosophy of fostering a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in tandem with surface forces, all while prioritizing civilian safety.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, highlighted that the initiative supports the Air Force's emphasis on intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness, and joint-force integration as vital elements of modern air warfare. The strengthened air presence in Sokoto State is particularly crucial in combating asymmetric threats, where terrorists exploit challenging terrain and mobility to evade ground forces.

Through the application of air power's reach, speed, flexibility, and precision, the NAF is better equipped to locate, disrupt, and degrade hostile elements, ultimately denying them freedom of movement and action, thereby enhancing opportunities for ground forces to secure ground gains.