By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its offensive against terrorists and bandits, with a renewed emphasis on intelligence-led air operations, as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ordered strict vigilance and zero complacency among personnel.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the directive on Wednesday during a strategic visit to Bauchi State, where he addressed officers and airmen at the Headquarters Special Operations Command (HQ SOC) and other co-located units. He stressed the critical role of the Command in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and delivering decisive airpower in support of ongoing military operations across the country.
“This Command remains central to safeguarding our sovereignty and delivering decisive airpower in support of ongoing operations. We will keep our eyes open so our citizens can sleep with theirs closed,” he said, underscoring the importance of constant alertness in the face of evolving security threats.
The CAS further directed that all air missions must be intelligence-driven, precise and outcome-focused, insisting that operational effectiveness must remain paramount. “Every mission must count,” he added, as he charged personnel to sustain pressure on criminal elements threatening national security.
As part of the visit, Air Marshal Aneke undertook a comprehensive inspection of operational equipment and infrastructure at the Command to assess readiness and identify areas requiring improvement. The move, according to him, is aimed at strengthening the NAF’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges.
In a bid to foster stronger civil-military relations, the CAS also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu. During the engagement, he highlighted the importance of community trust in achieving lasting security, noting that cooperation between the military and local populations remains vital to operational success. The Emir commended the Air Force for its sustained contributions to peace and stability in the region.
Air Marshal Aneke reiterated the NAF’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities through the acquisition of modern platforms, deployment of advanced intelligence systems, and continuous training of personnel. He warned that complacency would not be tolerated at any level of command, urging leaders to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He also assured officers and airmen of ongoing improvements in welfare and infrastructure, stressing that investment in personnel well-being is key to sustaining high operational performance.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, affirmed the Command’s readiness to implement the CAS’s directives, noting that troops remain highly motivated and are sustaining a high operational tempo to deliver decisive airpower in ongoing operations.
The renewed push by the Nigerian Air Force signals a determined effort by the military to degrade terrorist networks and restore peace in troubled regions, with a clear focus on precision, intelligence and unwavering operational discipline.
