The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has vowed that the Nigerian Air Force will intensify its campaign against insurgents, terrorists, and criminal groups threatening the country’s peace. He said no part of Nigeria will serve as a safe haven for those destabilising the nation.
Aneke described the current security situation as increasingly complicated, with violent non-state actors attacking communities and disrupting stability. He stressed that the military must respond with precision, innovation, and unwavering force.
This was contained in a statement by the service spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, following Aneke’s operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base) in Katsina. During the visit, he instructed personnel to step up operations in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to eliminate all threats to citizens’ safety.
“We will not rest until every threat to our sovereignty is neutralised. Wherever they hide — in forests, valleys, or remote villages — our forces will find them. We will strike with precision. Our mission is clear: hunt them down and protect our people,” he said.
Aneke also noted that the Federal Government has made major investments in new aircraft, advanced weaponry, and improved training. According to him, these investments place a responsibility on the Air Force to deliver strong results on the battlefield.
He urged officers and airmen to honour the sacrifices of fallen colleagues by staying resolute. “We cannot relent for a moment. The nation is counting on us to reclaim every inch of territory challenged by insurgents and criminals,” he added.
He praised frontline troops for their courage and professionalism despite tough operational environments and encouraged them to maintain the current momentum in counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations across the North.
Reaffirming his leadership philosophy — which focuses on decisive warfare and strong welfare for personnel — Aneke promised continuous improvements in training, equipment, and living conditions. “A force that fights hard must also live well,” he said.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, assured Aneke that troops remain fully committed to executing his strategic vision. The Air Component Commander, Air Commodore C. E. Illoh, also briefed him on recent achievements and evolving strategies in the theatre.
Read Also;
Army kills seven terrorists, arrests 27 others during nationwide operations
Aneke inspected key operational and administrative facilities, including engineering workshops, logistics points, medical units, and recreational areas. He later addressed officers and airmen in a durbar, urging them to stay focused on the mission.
“You carry the pride of our nation,” he said. “Millions sleep in peace because you stay awake. This fight is about securing our future. We must fly smarter, strike harder, and protect every Nigerian life with honour.”
