The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up air operations in Sokoto State to reinforce ongoing joint security efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the North-West.
In a statement issued Monday in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the increased air presence reflects NAF’s determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance, and maintain rapid response capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.
Ejodame explained that the strengthened deployment is crucial in tackling asymmetric threats, as terrorists and bandits often exploit difficult terrain and mobility to evade ground forces.
“By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility, and precision of airpower, 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,” he said.
Quoting the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Ejodame noted that the evolving security environment demands timely intelligence, responsive airpower, 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 airpower intelligently, professionally, and decisively in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for civilian safety,” Aneke stated.
He added that the initiative aligns with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional, and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives.
The CAS emphasized that the NAF remains committed to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West, pledging continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and safeguard communities.
He also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
