The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed all Air Component Commanders across ongoing military operations nationwide to intensify the tempo of precision air strikes against terrorists, insurgents, and armed criminal groups.
Aneke gave the order during a high-level operational meeting with top Air Component Commanders drawn from various theatres of conflict across the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, said the meeting was convened to review the progress of ongoing operations and refine strategies for greater impact.
According to Ejodame, commanders from operational zones — ranging from the forests of Zamfara to the riverine enclaves of the Niger Delta and the rugged terrain of the North-East — were in attendance.
“The days ahead demand agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare,” Air Marshal Aneke was quoted as saying. “We must fly smarter and strike harder, not only to neutralise threats but to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. Every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism.”
The Air Chief stressed that the evolving nature of threats across theatres calls for greater synchronisation of air, land, and maritime operations to ensure joint mission success.
“Our operations must be intelligence-led, coordinated, and focused. We will continue to work closely with the sister services and other security agencies to ensure a united front in the fight against terrorism and criminality,” he said.
Aneke reassured Air Force personnel of his administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, training, and operational readiness, adding that the era of under-resourced missions was over.
“Every airman and airwoman has a role to play in achieving our collective vision. I will ensure you are equipped, trained, and motivated to deliver results,” he assured.
Reaffirming the Air Force’s loyalty to the government’s vision of peace and security, the CAS vowed that the Force would apply “decisive force with discipline, humanity, and professionalism” against all threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“The Nigerian people, the government, and our international partners expect nothing less from us,” he stated.
Aneke urged the commanders to translate strategy into decisive operational results, sustain pressure on enemy strongholds, and ensure every mission delivers tangible outcomes on the ground.
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October 2025, Air Marshal Aneke has consistently emphasised proactive, intelligence-led air operations and closer inter-agency coordination in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and violent crime.
