Air Commanders Ordered To Go Hard on Terrorists, Bandits

Air component commanders of the Nigeria Air Force across the country were summoned to the force headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The commanders, it was gathered, were summoned by the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, an Air Marshal, with a view to giving them a fresh order in the war against insecurity.

Speaking during a high-level and strategic closed-door meeting, the air chief ordered the Commanders to intensify precision air operations and deliver smarter, harder, and more decisive firepower against insurgents, terrorists and criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.

The spokesman of NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, told journalists on the sideline of the session that the meeting marked a critical step in recalibrating the NAF’s operational posture under the new leadership.

“It (the meeting) provided a platform to harmonize strategies, strengthen inter-service cooperation, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a decisive instrument of national security and a symbol of hope for citizens,” Ejodame, an Air Commodore explained.

The senior military officer quoted Air Marshal Aneke to have emphasized that the days ahead demand agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare.

“We must fly smarter and strike harder not only to neutralize threats but to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. Every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,” the air chief was quoted to have declared.

According to him, the CAS noted that the evolving nature of threats across theatres requires synchronization of air, land, and maritime operations to achieve 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,” the air chief added.

Reassuring personnel of his commitment to their welfare, capacity development, and operational effectiveness, Air Marshal Aneke affirmed that the NAF will prioritize innovation, technology, and training to enhance mission success.

“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 pledged.

The CAS also reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force remains dedicated to the government’s vision of peace and security while upholding international standards of conduct and accountability.

“We will apply decisive force against those who threaten our nation, with discipline, humanity, and professionalism. The Nigerian people, government, and international partners expect nothing less from us,” he stated.

Air Marshal Aneke charged the commanders to translate strategy into decisive action, sustain operational tempo, and ensure every sortie achieves tangible impact on the ground.

“The safety and confidence of our citizens are our mission success indicators. Nigeria is counting on us, and we will not fail,” he declared.

The strategic engagement reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of its personnel, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, reassuring Nigerians of its resolve to protect the nation, and reinforcing the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.