Air Force Strengthens Presence In Sokoto To Combat Terrorism

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its presence in Sokoto State to support its airpower campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the North-West in collaboration with other security agencies.

In a statement by the NAF spokesman, Air Cdre Ehimen Ejodame, said the initiative reflects the Service’s determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain the capacity for rapid response to emerging threats, while providing effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area.

He noted that the strengthened air presence is particularly significant in the fight against asymmetric threats, where terrorists and bandits exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces.

He said, “By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of airpower, the NAF is better positioned to support efforts to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement and action, and create greater operational opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains on the ground.”

He added that the effort further underscores the importance of sustained air-ground coordination in confronting evolving security challenges across the region.

Commenting on the development, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said NAF would continue to optimise the employment of airpower to deliver decisive effects in support of ongoing joint operations.

He stressed that the evolving security environment requires a combination of timely intelligence, responsive airpower and seamless integration with surface forces, noting that the Service remained focused on maintaining operational readiness and ensuring that hostile elements are denied the freedom to threaten innocent communities.

“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. We will continue to employ airpower intelligently, professionally and decisively, in synergy with our sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians,” the CAS stated.

According to the statement, the initiative is consistent with the CAS’s Command Philosophy of enhancing and sustaining a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in synergy with surface forces to realise national security objectives.

“It also reinforces the NAF’s continuing emphasis on intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness and joint-force integration as essential components of contemporary air warfare,” the statement added.

The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West.

“The Service will continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, disrupt terrorist and criminal networks, safeguard communities and contribute to creating a safer environment for law-abiding citizens.”

The Service, therefore, urged members of the public to continue supporting ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.