By Reportcircle Abuja
With national anxiety rising over renewed terror activity, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has launched a sweeping recalibration of Nigeria’s air warfare posture, ordering more aggressive, precision-driven and intelligence-fused operations to crush terrorist networks across the country.
During a high-stakes operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, Aneke declared that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is entering a new phase of air dominance one that will combine smarter strike tactics, deeper interdiction missions and an expanded joint-warfare strategy with ground forces.
“We will go all out against them. Airpower remains fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined to dominate the battlespace,” the Air Chief said in a message aimed at reinforcing public confidence amid heightened security concerns.
The CAS disclosed that the NAF has widened precision-strike operations, boosted surveillance coverage, and strengthened synergy with land forces to deny terrorists mobility and safe havens.
Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, AVM Paul Obeya, reinforced this direction, stating that NAF units are primed for tighter coordination, sharper intelligence fusion, and quicker response capability.
A detailed operational briefing by Air Commodore MB Ahmed, Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, highlighted ongoing interdictions and new plans to strike deeper into entrenched terror enclaves.
In separate engagements with frontline personnel, Air Marshal Aneke applauded the “resilience, courage and professionalism” of airmen in Maiduguri, noting that their sacrifices remain central to degrading insurgent networks.
“We must stay on the offensive and keep taking the fight to the enemy. The nation sees your sacrifice and stands behind you,” he declared.
He reiterated his operational philosophy “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare” pledging enhanced logistics, improved medical and administrative support, and sustained prioritisation of personnel welfare and allowances.
Aneke also paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, commending his “Borno Model” of community-based stabilisation.
He described the state’s consistent support especially in logistics and strategic land allocations as pivotal to sustaining air operations in the Northeast.
Governor Zulum, in turn, praised the NAF and other security forces for their resilience in protecting lives and property in a state long targeted by insurgents.
Closing his visit, Air Marshal Aneke issued his most forceful message yet, assuring Nigerians that the terror threat will be met with relentless airpower and unwavering resolve.
“Let every Nigerian know this: your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat. We will find the terrorists, we will neutralise them, we will rescue our citizens and honour our fallen heroes. The NAF stands resolute and unshakeable,” he said.
The renewed aerial doctrine marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s counterterrorism posture, a clear signal that the Air Force is preparing for sustained, high-intensity operations designed to break the backbone of terror groups across all theatres.
