In a decisive move to consolidate ongoing efforts toward restoring peace in the North Central region, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has deployed additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)—a joint military operation targeting banditry, kidnapping, and communal unrest across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
This was confirmed in a statement issued Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who disclosed that the new deployment aims to enhance air-to-ground coordination and deliver precision intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities.
CAS, Army, Navy Chiefs Hold Joint Security Briefing in Makurdi
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, led a high-level strategic visit to the Headquarters of Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, where he conducted an on-ground assessment of the intensified air operations.
Present at the strategic session were:
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Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede
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A representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira
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Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke
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Maritime and Air Component Commanders
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Senior officers and security stakeholders
Ejodame said the meeting provided critical updates on the tempo of joint operations and their impact on communities ravaged by years of conflict and insecurity.
Dismantling Criminal Enclaves: Air Operations Yield Results
Air Marshal Abubakar revealed that the newly deployed air assets have been successfully integrated into joint operations and are already yielding operational success through:
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Real-time intelligence gathering
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Armed reconnaissance
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Close air support to troops on the ground
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Precision strikes on criminal hideouts
“We’ve dismantled several militia camps and bandit enclaves across the Middle Belt in recent weeks. These outcomes underscore our unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives,” Abubakar stated.
He emphasized that NAF’s enhanced posture aligns with the Federal Government’s mandate to stabilize the region and create safe spaces for civilians.
Jointness Key to Success – Service Chiefs Reaffirm Commitment
The meeting concluded with all Service Chiefs reaffirming that inter-agency synergy is crucial to achieving lasting peace. They stressed that Operation Whirl Stroke will remain grounded in joint planning, execution, and intelligence sharing.
“As long as peace is threatened, our resolve remains unshaken,” the CAS declared. “The Nigerian Air Force will continue to deliver timely, decisive air support alongside sister services to protect lives and property.”
A Vision for Peace and Stability
The ongoing efforts signal a renewed commitment by Nigeria’s security apparatus to push beyond routine deployments and introduce strategic force projection. By combining air power with ground coordination, the military aims to restore normalcy, allow displaced persons to return, and enable socioeconomic activities to resume across affected regions.
Operation Whirl Stroke remains one of Nigeria’s most pivotal internal security operations, and with the latest reinforcements, the Armed Forces say they are closer to delivering the peace long yearned for in the North Central.
