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  • NAF plans structured withdrawal of firearms from retiring officers 

    NAF plans structured withdrawal of firearms from retiring officers 

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it will soon begin a structured and lawful process of withdrawing service firearms from retiring personnel to strengthen weapons accountability, enhance public safety, and align veteran administration with international best practices.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, revealed this on Saturday during a parley with NAF Veterans, held at the NAF Base in Abuja. 

    The Air Chief also revealed that the NAF was also exploring a regulated armoury arrangement that would allow eligible retirees to lawfully possess approved firearm calibres for personal protection.

    Air Marshal Aneke was represented at the event by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Martins, who conveyed the Air Force leadership’s position on the initiative.

    According to the NAF Chief, efforts are ongoing to retrieve all service-issued weapons from retiring officers and airmen, particularly senior citizens, to prevent risks associated with misuse, diversion, or improper storage.

    “The Nigerian Air Force recognises the distinguished service of its veterans, but service weapons remain government property and must be duly accounted for at retirement, in line with extant laws,” he said.

    The CAS said the exercise was not punitive, rather an administrative necessity aimed at ensuring compliance with the Firearms Act while safeguarding retired personnel and the wider society.

    He explained that modalities were being developed to ensure transparency, regulation and full compliance with national firearms laws before any such framework is implemented.

    Aneke noted that the firearm withdrawal policy forms part of broader reforms in veteran administration, including plans to establish Veteran Well-Being Centres nationwide.

    He said the centres would serve as one-stop hubs for welfare support, documentation, security-related matters and healthcare coordination for retired personnel.

    The CAS added that the Air Force was leveraging technology through digital platforms and help desks to improve communication and service delivery, especially for elderly veterans.

    Read Also: NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    He reassured veterans that their safety and dignity remained paramount, stressing that the NAF would balance welfare considerations with national security imperatives.

    The CAS also highlighted the importance of health and wellness in post-service life, describing it as a key pillar of veteran welfare and sustainable reintegration.

    Dr Ugochukwu Nnamdi, a public health practitioner from the 063 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Abuja, noted that health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being.

    He said the transition from military to civilian life often presents emotional and psychological challenges, urging veterans to adopt healthy lifestyles and seek timely medical support.

    The parley provided an interactive platform for veterans to share concerns and offer recommendations on welfare, security and post-service integration.

  • NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    NAF, Enugu partnership a model for effective sub-national security collaboration – CAS

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has described the partnership between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Enugu State Government as “a model of subnational cooperation in national security.”

    Air Marshal Aneke said this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, at Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, as part of a two-day operational visit to the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command (GTC) and other units in the state.

    In a statement by the NAF’s spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS commended the governor for sustained support to NAF personnel and infrastructure, particularly accommodation development and improvements to essential utilities.

    He outlined the NAF’s long-term welfare and sustainability vision, emphasizing initiatives that integrate housing, agriculture, and operational resilience.

    The NAF Chief noted that collaboration on resettlement housing and agro-allied programmes would enhance personnel wellbeing while contributing to economic activity within the State.

    Air Marshal Aneke assured that the NAF would continue intelligence-driven cooperation with sister security agencies to sustain peace in Enugu and across the South-East.

    He said, “Ground training is the engine room of airpower. When our technical and support personnel are properly trained and motivated, our operational aircraft can deliver decisive results.

    “I deeply appreciate the Enugu State Government’s commitment to strengthening our capacity to protect lives and critical assets.”

    Governor Mbah emphasized that security and development are inseparable priorities of the state government, and commended the professionalism and stabilizing role of Air Force personnel in the SouthEast region.

    He assured the CAS that the state government would continue to collaborate with the NAF in facilitating the security of Enugu and the country at large.

    The governor also assured that the state government is ready to allocate land for resettlement homes for NAF personnel, as well as for NAF farms and agro-allied services. 

  • NAF reactivates Super Puma helicopter to strengthen air operations

    NAF reactivates Super Puma helicopter to strengthen air operations

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated a Super Puma helicopter, NAF 565, in a move aimed at boosting air operations across multiple security theatres.

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, recommissioned the helicopter at the 205 Rotary Wing, Ikeja, as part of his maiden working visit in Lagos State.

    According to a statement by Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the development reflected ongoing efforts to improve operational readiness and strengthen national security.

    Aneke, he said, described the reactivation as part of deliberate steps to restore critical air assets and enhance the force’s mission capability.

    “This occasion is not merely about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force,” he said.

    The CAS noted that restoring legacy platforms remains a key component of the NAF’s operational strategy, adding that the Super Puma has played vital roles in troop transport, casualty evacuation, search and rescue, as well as logistics support.

    According to him, the aircraft has supported operations including Operation Hadin Kai and joint missions, adding that its return would strengthen maritime security in Lagos and support counterinsurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.

    The CAS attributed improvements in NAF’s operational capacity to Federal Government support under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that strategic acquisitions and rehabilitation of existing platforms were enhancing airpower capabilities.

    He also acknowledged funding support from the National Assembly, describing collaboration among government institutions as essential to sustaining military operations.

    Aneke commended the consultant, retired Air Commodore TA Badru, the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, and technicians of 205 Rotary Wing for completing the reactivation.

    He urged personnel to maintain strict safety and maintenance standards to sustain aircraft serviceability.

    Addressing officers, airmen, and airwomen at Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, the CAS said the NAF was intensifying efforts to improve aircraft serviceability by better coordinating logistics and operations. He added that plans were underway to induct additional combat platforms to enhance precision strike capability and strengthen regional deterrence.

    On personnel welfare, Aneke said the NAF would accelerate completion of ongoing accommodation projects to address housing shortages, while also improving allowances, medical support, and working conditions.

    He urged personnel to remain disciplined and mission-focused as operations continue across the country.

  • NAF reactivates Super Puma Helicopter after 3 years 

    NAF reactivates Super Puma Helicopter after 3 years 

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated the Super Puma Helicopter after it was grounded for three years due to a main rotor hub challenge.

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said that reactivating the helicopter was crucial due to its versatility particularly in handling demanding and complex operations.

    Aneke said this while inaugurating the reactivated Super Puma Helicopter at the 205 Rotary Wing, NAF, in Ikeja, Lagos State.

    He noted that the platform, known for its endurance and reliability, would boost rotary wing capabilities for tasks like troop transport, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and logistics support.

    “Having demonstrated its effectiveness as a tactical mobility platform in Operation Hadin Kai, the Super Puma is a workhouse.

    “This occasion is not mainly about the return of an aircraft to our fleet, but also a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to my command philosophy.

    “Which is, to enhance and sustain a highly motivated professional mission ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives,” Aneke said.

    Read Also: NAF to deploy unmanned air surveillance in Lagos

    The CAS added that the helicopter would also serve as an asset for close support and instruction of troops, movement of troops and equipment with the Army and Navy, where the need arises in terms of maritime domain.

    Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast dedication to national security, clearly demonstrated by his approval of critical acquisition and support for the activation of legacy platforms.

    He said that the helicopter’s return to service directly strengthens NAF’s ability to support joint operations in the maritime and coastal environment of Lagos State.

    “As well as in our counterinsurgency and anti-binary operations in other theaters and parts of the country.

    “I urge all the personnel of 205 Rotary Wing who will operate and maintain this aircraft to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism and responsibility in operating this platform.

    “Treat this platform with utmost care, ensuring that it remains mission ready whenever required,” the CAS said.

    Aneke acknowledged the role and contributions of retired Air Commodore Taiwo Badru for his support and consultation toward the reactivation of the platform.

    “I also commend the Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, AVM Mike Onyebashi, and technicians of 205 Rotary for working tirelessly to restore the helicopter to flying condition,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • NAF probes alleged civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

    NAF probes alleged civilian casualties in Niger airstrikes

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged civilian casualties during airstrikes conducted on January 25 in Kurigi village in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

    The probe will be conducted by the Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team of the service, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Wednesday.

    According to him, the NAF acknowledged the gravity of the reported loss of lives and injuries and conveyed its deep concern for all affected. He reaffirmed that the protection of non-combatants remains central to its operational conduct.

    He Ejodame said, “Over the past year, the NAF has consistently applied its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response – Action Plan (CHMR-AP), embedding civilian protection considerations into all phases of operations while strengthening training, procedures, and safeguards aimed at minimising harm.

    Read Also: NAF airstrikes kill over 40 terrorists, disrupt planned attacks on civilians

    “In line with this commitment, the NAF has activated a Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation (CHAI) team to commence an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the reported incident.”

    The NAF’s spokesperson stressed that the service is guided by the principles of accountability, responsibility, and transparency.

    He assured the NAF’s unwavering resolve to “take responsibility where required, implement necessary improvements, and safeguard innocent lives, while continuing to defend the nation with professionalism, restraint and respect for the trust placed in it by the Nigerian people.” 

  • NAF hits terrorists in Timbuktu Triangle, clears way for ground troops

    NAF hits terrorists in Timbuktu Triangle, clears way for ground troops

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), operating under the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has conducted a coordinated air interdiction operation at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno.

    The Director, Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Saturday said the air interdiction successfully cleared the way for the ground troops.

    Ejodame said the Air Component acted on actionable, multi-source intelligence that confirmed active terrorist presence, structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

    He said the NAF air assets were employed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to engage identified targets.

    According to him, the operation was deliberately designed to degrade terrorist capability, deny sanctuary, and shape the battlespace for ground forces, in strict adherence to established rules of engagement and the protection of non-combatants.

    “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.

    “Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation,” he said.

    Commenting on the operation, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.

    Aneke said the operation demonstrated the service’s unwavering commitment to delivering precise and decisive airpower in support of ground forces.

    “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide.

    “Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.

    “Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.

    “The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled,” he said.

    Anele said the operation underscored the NAF’s aggressive posture, precision employment of airpower, and unwavering commitment to sustained joint operations.

    He added that the operations further highlighted its critical role in enabling ground forces to maintain momentum and deliver decisive effects against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

    (NAN)

  • NAF sustains airstrikes, cripples terrorists in Northeast, Northwest

    NAF sustains airstrikes, cripples terrorists in Northeast, Northwest

    • Military uncovers mastermind of Maiduguri mosque bombing
    • Troops seize cache of 12.7mm ammunition in Maiduguri

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained a series of intelligence-driven air interdiction operations across the North-East and North-West, neutralising terrorist elements and degrading their logistics and operational networks.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement yesterday that the operations were conducted between Jan. 1 and 2 under Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA Sector 2.

    Ejodame said the air strikes were based on actionable intelligence on terrorist movement, hideouts and logistics, with NAF aircraft engaging identified enclaves, routes and assembly areas to deny the groups freedom of action.

    He said in the North-East theatre, NAF aircraft carried out precision strikes on terrorist hideouts at Abirma and Chiralia in the Timbuktu Triangle, following sustained surveillance that confirmed the presence of facilities linked to improvised explosive device (IED) production and attack planning.

    According to him, the strikes destroyed the targeted structures, with multiple secondary explosions observed, indicating the destruction of explosive stockpiles and logistics.

    Ejodame added that further interdiction missions at Guva in the Mandara Mountains dismantled additional terrorist storage and coordination points, significantly weakening the groups’ capacity to regroup or mount attacks.

    He said the operations were extended to the North-West, where NAF aircraft struck terrorist elements around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The NAF spokesman said the terrorists, who were tracked moving in large motorcycle convoys, were engaged at a forested convergence point, leading to the neutralisation of several fighters, destruction of multiple motorcycles and recovery of assorted weapons.

    He said the sustained air operations underscored the NAF’s resolve to support joint forces on the ground and dismantle terrorist networks across the country.

    The war against terrorists further got a boost with the  Defence Headquarters (DHQ) uncovering  the ringleader behind the recent suicide bombings and attempted attacks in the North East.

    The DHQ identified the suspect as Shariff Umar.

    Read Also: NAF drone on routine mission crash in North West

    According to reports, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive inside a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on December 24, 2025, killing five people and injuring 35 others during evening prayers.

    Although no group claimed responsibility for the attack amid growing security concerns in the North East, the military arrested some suspects linked to the incident.

    Boko Haram and its splinter groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have waged a 15-year campaign of violence targeting civilians, military bases, mosques, and markets.

    Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), which oversees military operations in the North East, said yesterday that 14 suspects linked to suicide bombing activities were arrested during cordon-and-search operations in the Kalmari area of Maiduguri on December 31.

    Uba said that following the arrests, detailed identification and investigative processes established the structure, roles, and operational linkages of the terror cell.

    He said: “During the investigation, a suspected suicide bomber currently in custody, Ibrahim Muhammad, unequivocally identified Shariff Umar (also known as “Yusuf”) as the ringleader and coordinator of the terror network. According to consistent and corroborated statements, Shariff Umar was responsible for recruiting, preparing, directing, and dispatching suicide bombers to assigned targets, as well as coordinating logistics and delivery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components.

    “Investigations further revealed that Shariff Umar directly coordinated the suicide bombing attack at the Gamboru Market Mosque on 24 December 2025, during which his accomplice, Adamu (now deceased), detonated a suicide vest. He was also identified as the coordinator of the foiled suicide bombing attempt in Damaturu, personally handing over IED components to the suicide bomber in Maiduguri.

    “Additional links within the network were established, including the involvement of Shariff Umar’s wife, Yagana Modu, and the confirmation by his stepdaughter, Amina, who admitted to previously seeing the suspect bomber within their residence. These findings significantly strengthened the investigative trail and exposed the domestic and community-based concealment methods employed by terrorist facilitators.”

    The military spokesperson said all suspects remain “firmly in custody and are undergoing intensive, multi-layered investigations aimed at fully dismantling the network,” identifying additional collaborators, and recovering any remaining explosives or logistical assets.

    Uba urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to security agencies.

    “Cooperation and trust between troops of OPHK and local communities are essential to completely rooting out terrorism and restoring lasting peace across the region,” he said.

    The terrorists were also dealt a deadly blow by the Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) which recovered a large cache of high-calibre ammunition in the Bulumkutu Railway area of Maiduguri, Borno State.

    The recovered items include 1,270 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition warheads, some live 12.7mm rounds, and power banks concealed in a drainage channel.

    The operation followed a cordon-and-search exercise based on actionable intelligence aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action.

    Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East) Operation HADIN KAI in a statement said , the recovery underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations and community cooperation in preventing potential threats.

    Lt. Col. Uba explained that the operation was done alongside troops and Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams who  secured the area and are working to drain the channel to determine if there are additional dangerous items.

    He noted that the operation is part of sustained efforts to dominate the general area, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure resident safety. The security situation remains calm, with troops maintaining vigilance.

    The statement urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious items or movements to security agencies, as collective responsibility is vital to sustaining peace and security in the North-East.

  • NAF strikes terrorist hideouts across North East, North West

    NAF strikes terrorist hideouts across North East, North West

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has carried out airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, routes, and assembly areas in the North East and North West regions, resulting in heavy casualties among the armed groups.

    It said the joint task forces of Operations HADIN KAI and FASAN YAMMA Sector 2 conducted a series of ‘coordinated, intelligence-led operations’ from January 1 to 3 across critical threat corridors in the regions. 

    NAF’s spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame revealed this in a statement, on Saturday.

    According to Ejodame, in the North-East theatre, successive precision strikes were delivered against deeply concealed terrorist enclaves at Abirma and Chiralia within the Timbuktu Triangle, following persistent surveillance that confirmed active facilities linked to improvised explosive device production and attack planning. 

    He said: “The strikes resulted in the complete destruction of targeted structures, with multiple secondary explosions observed, clear indicators of the elimination of explosive stockpiles and critical logistics.

    “Follow-on interdiction operations at Guva in the Mandara Mountains further dismantled terrorist storage and coordination nodes, severely degrading their ability to regroup, resupply, or mount attacks during the festive period and beyond.”

    The NAF’s spokesperson said “decisive” airstrikes were conducted simultaneously in the North-West, particularly around Karaduwa Giginya Na in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    He said terrorists’ movement activities were tracked while moving in large motorcycle convoys and engaged at a forested convergence point. 

    “Post-strike assessments and corroborated local feedback confirmed the neutralisation of several terrorists, the destruction of multiple motorcycles, and the elimination of assorted weapons,” Ejodame said.

    He noted that the sustained multi-theatre strikes underscore the NAF’s “overwhelming airpower presence, rapid strike capability, and unwavering resolve to systematically dismantle terrorist networks.”

    In a separate statement, the NAF’s spokesperson said the service has recovered one of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that went missing on January 2.

    Ejodame was deployed on a routine mission within the Operation FASAN YAMMA Sector 3 area, during which it experienced a loss of link. 

    He said all efforts to restore the link proved abortive.

    Read Also: NAF announces recovery of UAV after loss of link during operation

    “Accordingly, in line with established procedures, the crew initiated emergency return-to-base actions, while the NAF immediately activated coordinated response and recovery measures in collaboration with sister Services and relevant authorities. 

    “The platform has since been contained, with assessment and recovery activities progressing as planned. Relevant technical teams have secured the platform and commenced preliminary evaluations in line with established safety and operational procedures. 

    “There has been no loss of life, and operational activities across all theatres continue uninterrupted,” he said. 

    Ejodame reassured the public of NAF’s continued professionalism and operational focus, as counter-insurgency operations proceed unabated in the interest of national security.

  • Several terrorists killed as NAF destroys IED facility in Zamfara

    Several terrorists killed as NAF destroys IED facility in Zamfara

    Several terrorists have been neutralised after Nigerian Air Force strikes targeted their enclave and an improvised explosive device (IED) factory in the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    The two high-impact precision airstrikes were carried out on December 28 at Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout, and at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key hub for IED manufacturing and operations in the state.

    According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Monday, air assets were deployed against identified terrorist locations after multi-source, credible intelligence confirmed their presence and activities.

    “The first strike targeted Turba Hill, a confirmed bandit hideout,” Ejodame said, adding that sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance revealed significant human activity and an operational zinc-roofed structure assessed to be central to the enclave’s operations.

    According to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, following identification, the target was engaged with precision, resulting in a direct hit. A post-strike battle damage assessment confirmed the destruction of the structure and the neutralisation of several bandits.

    He said, “The second AI mission was conducted at Kachalla Dogo Sule’s Camp, a notorious bandit stronghold identified as a key IED manufacturing and operational hub. Intelligence had linked the camp to the planning and execution of recent IED attacks along the Dan Sadau–Magami axis.” 

    Ejodame noted that the precision strike successfully engaged multiple active structures within the enclave, which he said triggered intense fires that destroyed the facilities and neutralised several bandits, “effectively crippling the group’s IED production and deployment capability.”

    He said the “decisive” air strikes represented a “significant degradation” of terrorist networks operating in Zamfara State, particularly their capacity to manufacture and employ improvised explosive devices.

  • NAF to acquire 24 new aircraft, UAVs to boost operational readiness

    NAF to acquire 24 new aircraft, UAVs to boost operational readiness

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says it is intensifying efforts to fast-track the acquisition of 24 x M-346 Fighter Ground Attack aircraft and 10 x AW-109 Trekker Helicopters as well as additional Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to strengthen its operational readiness.

    According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, disclosed this at a Christmas luncheon of Air Component  Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, in Kaduna on Thursday.

    Aneke was represented by AVM Alfred  Shogbanmu, Chief of Logistic NAF Headquarters.

    He said, “Beyond the defence of our airspace, which lies at the heart of the NAF’s mandate, you are safeguarding the foundations of our society and securing the future of our nation.

     “Your resilience, sacrifice, and bravery in the line of duty have made it possible for millions of Nigerians to enjoy this season in peace and tranquillity. As you are all aware, Christmas is a season of togetherness, sharing, and compassion.”

     He explained that while many were marking the period in the comfort of their homes with loved ones, adding, “Some of you remain here in the theatre of operations, standing firm as the true guardians of our nation’s peace and security.

    “For this, the entire nation is deeply grateful. From the highest levels of leadership to ordinary citizens in towns and villages across our country.”

    Aneke added that Nigerians recognised and appreciated the sacrifices they continue to make, especially at this special time of the year.

    He added, “At this juncture, I wish to solemnly honour the memory of our gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the service of our fatherland.

     “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their courage will forever remain etched in the collective conscience of our nation.

    “We hold them dear in our hearts as true heroes. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace.”

    Read Also: NAF compensates victims of Sokoto airstrike

    According to him, his command philosophy is to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives.

    He added, “We recognise that kinetic action alone is not enough.

    “In this regard, Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda provides a viable framework for addressing the root causes of insurgency and terrorism.”

    Aneke said by focusing on social justice, economic empowerment, and equitable development, the agenda complements their non-kinetic efforts and fosters a foundation for lasting peace and security across the nation.

    He appreciates President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards meeting the training, welfare and operational needs of the Nigerian Air Force.

    He also appreciated the Minister of Defence, the Minister of State, Defence, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff for their unflinching support to the Nigerian Air Force.

    “You embody the spirit of sacrifice and commitment to duty, and I want you all to know that you are the pride of our dear nation.

    “Your sacrifice would not go unrewarded, and I will continue to ensure that you have the support, resources and recognition you deserve.

    “As we move forward into the New Year, let us renew our commitment to the task at hand with even greater resolve, “Aneke said.

    Earlier, the  Air Component Commander, Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, Air Commodore Okechukwu Okpara, said the event also allowed them to remember their colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the service of their fatherland.

    Okpara said the security threats currently facing the nation required the emplacement of a robust security architecture capable of rapid employment of airpower in the full spectrum of warfare.

    “We, the Air component of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 1, have continued to perform very critical roles in providing the much-needed air support for the effective conduct of ground operations by the Land Component.

    “Our efforts have been immensely instrumental in curtailing the activities of the terrorists, degrading, denying and deterring them freedom of action, “he said.

    He commended all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Component for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.

    ” Your efforts are crucial to restoring peace and stability in this region. I urge you all to remain resolute in the pursuit of our mission,

    ” We must continue to confront insurgents, armed bandits, and other criminal elements until peace and normalcy are fully restored in our joint operation area in particular and the country at large,” Okpara said.