In a sustained wave of precision strikes, the Nigerian Air Force has turned up the heat, hammering hideouts and movement routes used by terrorists and bandits. The goal is simple and brutal — disrupt, degrade, and deny them any breathing space.
According to the NAF, the intensified operations are already choking the freedom of movement that criminal gangs once enjoyed across difficult terrain.
Sky Turns Hostile for Bandits
NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the Service has deliberately ramped up aerial bombardments to keep hostile elements off balance.
“The intensified air operations reflected the troops’ determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain the capacity for rapid response to emerging threats,” he stated yesterday.
He noted that terrorists and bandits have long exploited rough terrain, speed and concealment to dodge ground troops. Now, that advantage is eroding. NAF aircraft are being used to locate, disrupt and degrade targets from above, creating openings for surface forces to move in and hold ground.
Airpower as the Game Changer
Ejodame stressed that the NAF will keep providing effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area.
He explained that the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of airpower are critical in asymmetric warfare. By owning the air, the NAF can spot threats early, cut off escape routes, and deny criminals the freedom to regroup.
“The operations underscored the importance of sustained coordination between air and ground forces in addressing evolving security challenges across the region,” he added.
CAS: Pressure Will Not Let Up
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said the Service will continue to “optimise the employment of airpower to deliver decisive effects” in support of joint operations.
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“Our objective is clear: to sustain the pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action and create the conditions for our surface forces to dominate the operational environment,” the CAS declared.
“We will continue to employ airpower intelligently, professionally and decisively, in synergy with our sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians.”
Aneke reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the Northwest by working closely with the Nigerian Army and other agencies to protect lives, disrupt criminal networks, and safeguard vulnerable communities. He also urged Nigerians to support the operations by providing timely and credible information to authorities.
