Nigeria: 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 elements from threatening vulnerable communities, as it ramps up joint security operations in the North-West region. This commitment follows the recent deployment of NAF platforms under the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, which conducted precision strikes against terrorist enclaves in Borno State, resulting in the deaths of over 26 terrorists.

Speaking about the ongoing joint operations under Operation Fansan Yamman, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, emphasized the need to optimise air power to achieve decisive effects in support of joint operations. He highlighted the importance of timely intelligence, responsive air power, and seamless integration with ground forces to maintain operational readiness.

The NAF's objective is to sustain pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action, and create conditions favorable for ground forces to dominate the operational environment. The initiative aligns with the Chief of Air Staff's command philosophy, which focuses on enhancing and sustaining a professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for national security objectives.

The NAF's strengthened air presence in Sokoto State is crucial in combating asymmetric threats, as it leverages the reach, speed, flexibility, and precision of air power to locate, disrupt, and degrade hostile elements, thereby denying them freedom of movement and action.