The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering determination to intensify air operations and confront terrorist threats with renewed force and precision. Amid heightened national security concerns, the CAS described the moment as a call for unity and resilience, declaring, “We will go all out against them,” and emphasising that airpower remains “fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined to dominate the battlespace and neutralise terrorist threats wherever they emerge.” During his operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025, he announced strengthened synergy with ground forces, expanded intelligence-driven missions, and widened precision-strike operations across theatres to deny terrorists any freedom of action.
During the visit, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, reiterated the readiness of troops to implement the CAS’ strategic direction, highlighting improved intelligence, tighter coordination with land forces, and enhanced rapid-response strike capability. The Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, also delivered a detailed briefing on tasking, recent strike outcomes, ISR coverage, and ongoing interdiction efforts. Addressing frontline personnel, the CAS commended the “resilience, courage, and professionalism” of the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group, describing them as “a driving force in our fight against insurgency and terrorism.” He reaffirmed the centrality of air operations in degrading terrorist networks and stated, “We must stay on the offensive and keep taking the fight to the enemy from the air. The nation sees your sacrifices… and stands behind you.”
Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that his visit aimed to assess real-time realities, address factors influencing combat effectiveness, and reinforce his welfare-driven philosophy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare.” He assured personnel of strengthened logistical, medical, and administrative support, as well as continued prioritisation of operational allowances. He further outlined his operational priorities anchored on intelligence-led missions, precision targeting, enhanced jointness, and smarter deployment of airpower, stating, “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder.” He also expressed profound appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support to the NAF, reaffirming that “the confidence Mr President has placed in us will be repaid with absolute loyalty, professionalism, and operational excellence.” During his courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, he commended the “Borno Model” and pledged deeper collaboration with state authorities and all stakeholders. Reassuring Nigerians, he declared: “Your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat… We will rescue our citizens, honour our fallen heroes, and defend this nation with every asset at our disposal.” The Governor, in his remarks, commended the NAF and other Services for their unwavering commitment to security of lives and properties in the State.