The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, on Friday reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) unwavering commitment to defending the nation and eliminating insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements threatening peace and stability.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina.
He charged personnel to intensify their efforts in fulfilling the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, to decisively eliminate all threats to the safety and security of Nigerians.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina.
The CAS emphasized that the unprecedented support of the Federal Government—through the acquisition of modern platforms, advanced weaponry, and enhanced professional training—places a solemn responsibility on the Nigerian Air Force to deliver decisive outcomes.
According to him, Nigeria’s security landscape has grown increasingly complex, with ruthless non-state actors spreading violence and causing significant loss of innocent lives.
He reminded personnel that the sacrifices of fallen NAF heroes demand unwavering resolve, urging them to remain agile, innovative, and ruthlessly precise in confronting security threats.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina.
“We cannot relent for a moment,” he warned. “The nation is counting on us to restore peace and reclaim every inch of territory challenged by insurgents and criminals.”
Air Marshal Aneke commended the troops for their courage, precision, and professionalism despite the operational challenges of the region. He vowed that the NAF would not rest until every threat to Nigeria’s 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 protect our people.”
He urged personnel to sustain operational momentum and ensure that every mission reflects the NAF’s core values of discipline, service, and patriotism.
Reiterating his leadership philosophy anchored on decisive warfare and robust welfare, the CAS stressed that the fight against insecurity must go hand-in-hand with the well-being of personnel.
“A force that fights hard must also live well,” he declared. “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.”
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina.
He further affirmed that the NAF will continue investing in modern capabilities, intelligence systems, and technology-driven operations to secure lasting dominance in the air and deliver strategic effects on the ground.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, assured the CAS of the unwavering readiness and commitment of troops to actualize his strategic vision for the Nigerian Air Force.
This was followed by an operational brief by the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore C.E. Illoh, who presented the current campaign plan, recent operational gains, and evolving strategies for countering threats across the theatre.
The CAS, accompanied by key Branch Chiefs and senior officers from Headquarters NAF, then undertook an extensive tour of critical operational and administrative facilities including the Operations, Engineering, and Logistics areas, as well as base medical, sporting, and recreational infrastructures.
The visit concluded with an interactive durbar with officers, airmen, and airwomen. The CAS addressed their concerns, commended their dedication, and charged them to renew their resolve.
“You represent the pride of our nation and the hope of millions who sleep in peace because you stay awake,” he said. “This fight is bigger than defeating enemies; it is about securing our future. We must fly smarter, strike harder, and protect every Nigerian life with honour.”
He further directed that “every flight must count,” stressing the importance of actionable intelligence in contributing to the overall campaign plan.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, noted that the CAS’s visit to Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 reaffirms the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve—under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership—to pursue decisive, intelligence-driven, and precision-led operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting its citizens.
