The new Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke on Friday reaffirmed the committment of the Nigerian Air Force towards ending the activities of bandits in the Northwest region of the country.
Aneke made the assertion while speaking to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina.
In a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the spokesperson for NAF, Aneke said the force is committed to defending the nation by eliminating criminal elements threatening its peace and stability.
Charging personnel to intensify efforts in fulfilling the directive of President Bola Tinubu, the CAS assured the troops of the Federal Government’s support through the acquisition of modern platforms, advanced weaponry, and enhanced professional training.
He noted that Nigeria’s security environment has become increasingly complex, with ruthless non-state actors spreading violence and causing significant loss of innocent lives.
Aneke also reminded personnel that the sacrifices of NAF’s fallen heroes demand unwavering resolve, urging them to remain agile, innovative, and ruthlessly precise in confronting security threats.
He said, “We cannot relent for a moment. The nation is counting on us to restore peace and reclaim every inch of territory challenged by insurgents and criminals.
“We will not rest until every threat to our sovereignty is neutralised. Wherever they hide, whether in forests, valleys, or remote villages, our forces will find them, and we will strike with precision. Our mission is clear: to hunt them down and to protect our people,” the new CAS stated.
He also called on the personnel to ensure that they sustain the operational momentum and guarantee that every mission reflects the NAF’s core values of discipline, service, and patriotism.
“A force that fights hard must also live well. Under my leadership, your welfare, training, and equipment will match your courage in the field. You are the nation’s shield, and your safety and morale are non-negotiable,” Aneke said.
According to him, the NAF will continue to invest in modern capabilities, intelligence systems, and technology-driven operations to secure lasting dominance in the air and impact on the ground.
Also speaking, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, assured the Air Chief of the unwavering readiness of troops to actualise his strategic vision.