The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its airpower campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West, with a strengthened air presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing joint security operations.
The NAF disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, saying the initiative was aimed at sustaining pressure on hostile elements, enhancing aerial surveillance and maintaining rapid-response capability against emerging threats.
According to the Service, the strengthened air presence in Sokoto would also provide effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area.
The NAF said the deployment was particularly important in tackling asymmetric threats, where terrorists and bandits exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces.
It said the increased use of airpower would enhance the military’s ability to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements while restricting their freedom of movement and action.
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The Service added that the strategy would create greater operational opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains made during ground operations.
“The effort further underscores the importance of sustained air-ground coordination in confronting evolving security challenges across the region,” the NAF said.
The development is also in line with the commitment of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to maintaining a motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in coordination with the sister Services and other security agencies.
The NAF said it remained committed to leveraging airpower and joint operations to protect lives and property, degrade terrorist and criminal networks and support efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the North-West.
It added that the intensified campaign formed part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and counter evolving threats across the country.