The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified air operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Monday in Abuja that the increased air presence in Sokoto State was aimed at supporting ongoing joint security operations.
Ejodame said the strengthened deployment would enhance aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities within the Joint Operations Area, while helping to tackle terrorists and bandits who exploit difficult terrain and concealment to evade ground forces.
He said the NAF would leverage the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of air power to locate and disrupt hostile elements, restrict their movement and create opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the NAF would continue to optimise air power in support of joint operations, stressing that the evolving security environment required timely intelligence, responsive air operations and effective coordination 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,” Aneke said.
He added that the NAF would continue to work with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist and criminal networks, and safeguard communities.
Aneke urged Nigerians to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.
