CAS Orders Stronger, Smarter Air Campaign to Decimate Terror Networks

By Zainab Uzomah

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed a more aggressive air campaign to confront terrorist threats across the country. The Air Force chief, who described the current security situation as a call for renewed national resolve, said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is reinforcing its operational posture to restore public confidence and strengthen nationwide security responses.

According to the statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the directive followed an operational visit by the CAS to NAF Base Maiduguri on 17 November 2025. The statement noted that Air Marshal Aneke ordered expanded precision strikes, deeper intelligence-driven missions, and closer coordination with ground troops to deny terrorists any operational space across all theatres.

Earlier in Maiduguri, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC), Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, assured the CAS of the readiness of personnel to execute the new strategic direction. The Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, also briefed the CAS on recent strike outcomes, intelligence coverage, and fresh plans to push interdiction missions deeper into terrorist hideouts.

Addressing frontline personnel, the CAS commended their resilience and professionalism, stressing that air operations remain pivotal in degrading terrorist capability and supporting ground manoeuvres. He said his visit was aimed at assessing field realities, addressing operational concerns, and reinforcing his welfare-driven leadership model of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” which includes improved logistics, medical support, administrative systems, and prioritised operational allowances.

During the visit, Air Marshal Aneke also held a meeting with the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, where he commended the government’s sustained support to air operations, including key logistical interventions and strategic land allocations. Governor Zulum, in return, praised the commitment of the NAF and sister security agencies in safeguarding the state.

Air Marshal Aneke ended the visit with a message of reassurance to Nigerians, affirming that the Air Force remains resolute, unshakeable, and fully prepared to defend the nation. He vowed that terrorists will be tracked, neutralised, and denied any space to threaten citizens, adding that the NAF will honour the sacrifices of its fallen personnel with strengthened commitment and operational excellence.