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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air operations in Sokoto State as part of renewed efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North-West.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the increased air presence is aimed at supporting ongoing joint military operations and strengthening security in the region.
Ejodame explained that the enhanced deployment is designed to counter asymmetric threats, noting that terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground troops.
According to him, the sustained air campaign will improve aerial surveillance, enable rapid response to security threats and provide critical support for surface forces engaged in operations across the Joint Operations Area.
He said the Nigerian Air Force would continue to leverage the speed, precision and flexibility of air power to locate, disrupt and neutralise criminal elements, restrict their movement and create opportunities for ground forces to consolidate operational gains.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the Air Force's commitment to deploying air power effectively in support of joint military operations, stressing that the evolving security landscape requires timely intelligence, rapid response and seamless coordination with other security agencies.
Aneke said the objective remains to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal groups, deny them freedom of action and create conditions that would enable ground forces to dominate the operational environment.
He assured Nigerians that the Air Force would continue to conduct its operations professionally and decisively while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians.
The Air Chief noted that the renewed offensive aligns with his vision of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in support of Nigeria's national security objectives.
He added that the initiative also reinforces the NAF's emphasis on intelligence-driven operations, innovation, operational readiness and stronger collaboration with sister services.
Aneke reiterated the Nigerian Air Force's commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore peace, dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, and protect lives and property across the North-West.
He also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the relevant authorities.
