NAF steps up air strikes against terrorists in Sokoto

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its air operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements across the North-West.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

Ejodame said the increased air operations, particularly in Sokoto State, were aimed at supporting ongoing joint security efforts to tackle criminal activities in the region.

He added that the heightened air presence was part of the NAF’s continued efforts to strengthen security operations and protect communities from threats posed by terrorists and other armed groups.

According to NAF spokesperson, the strengthened deployment is critical in tackling asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain, mobility, and concealment to evade ground forces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the move reflects the service’s resolve to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance, and maintain rapid response capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.

”By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility, and precision of air-power, the NAF is better positioned to locate, disrupt, and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement, and create opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains.”

Ejodame quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as saying that the NAF would continue to optimise the use of air-power to deliver decisive effects in support of joint operations.

Aneke noted that the evolving security environment demanded timely intelligence, responsive air-power, and seamless integration with surface forces.

”Our objective is clear: to sustain pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action, and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment.

”We will continue to employ air-power intelligently, professionally, and decisively in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for civilian safety,” the CAS said.

He also said that the initiative aligned with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power in support of national security objectives.

”It also reinforces the NAF’s focus on intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness, and joint-force integration,” he added.

The CAS reiterated the NAF’s commitment to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West.

He said the service would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, and safeguard communities.

He urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.

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