The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has strengthened its air presence in Sokoto State as part of intensified operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North West.
The move is aimed at sustaining pressure on terrorists and bandits, improving aerial surveillance and enhancing rapid response to emerging security threats.
According to the NAF, the strengthened presence will also provide additional air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area.
The Service said the initiative is particularly important in tackling asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces.
By increasing the use of airpower, the NAF said it would be better positioned to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements while restricting their movement and freedom of action.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the NAF would continue to optimise airpower in support of joint military operations.
Aneke said the changing security environment requires timely intelligence, responsive air operations and effective coordination between air and surface forces.
“Our objective is clear: to sustain the pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment,” he said.
The Air Chief added that the NAF would continue to operate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect communities and prevent hostile elements from threatening civilians.
He also stressed the importance of civilian safety during air operations, saying the NAF would employ airpower intelligently, professionally and decisively.
The Service said the initiative aligns with the Chief of the Air Staff’s command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in support of national security objectives.
The NAF further said intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness and joint-force integration would remain central to its response to security threats in the region.
It pledged to sustain its operations across the North West and support national efforts to restore peace and stability.
The Service also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security authorities to support ongoing military operations and help protect lives and property.
