The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed all Nigerian Air Force (NAF) commanders to intensify precision air operations against insurgents, terrorists, and criminal gangs threatening peace and stability across the country.
Aneke gave the directive on Wednesday during a strategic meeting held at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he met with air component commanders from various operational theatres. The meeting focused on assessing the security situation and reviewing ongoing air operations to enhance their effectiveness.
The air chief emphasized that the prevailing security challenges require a smarter, intelligence-driven, and well-coordinated approach to ensure successful missions with minimal civilian casualties. He said the Nigerian Air Force must remain at the forefront of the fight to reclaim peace and protect national assets.
“We must fly smarter and strike harder, not only to neutralize threats but to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians,” Aneke declared. “Every mission we undertake must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism.”
He noted that the dynamic nature of modern warfare demands innovation and adaptability, urging commanders to adopt advanced tactics and leverage real-time intelligence to identify and eliminate high-value targets. Aneke also reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to using precision-guided munitions to improve accuracy and limit collateral damage.
According to him, intelligence gathering and timely coordination with ground and maritime forces remain critical to achieving operational superiority. He explained that the Air Force is strengthening its surveillance systems and reconnaissance capabilities to track insurgent movements and disrupt their operations.
“The threats we face are constantly evolving, and our response must be both proactive and integrated,” Aneke said. “There must be seamless collaboration between the air, land, and maritime components to achieve national security objectives.”
He urged field commanders to remain resolute and innovative, emphasizing that success in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts will depend on their ability to anticipate enemy tactics and act swiftly. He also warned against complacency, reminding officers of the trust Nigerians have placed in the military to restore order.
Aneke reassured Nigerians that the Air Force remains committed to protecting civilian populations and supporting joint military operations aimed at ending insecurity across all troubled regions. He said renewed synergy among the armed forces will help dismantle terrorist strongholds and pave the way for lasting peace.
The meeting ended with commanders pledging full commitment to the directive, promising to intensify aerial reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support for ground troops engaged in various theatres of operation nationwide.


