The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has directed personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deployed in the North-West to sustain and intensify operations aimed at crushing terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities in the region.
Aneke gave the charge during a Christmas luncheon organised for troops of the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, Sector 2, and personnel of the 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina.
The event was held on Thursday at the sports complex of the NAF 213 Operating Base.
Represented at the occasion by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi Yaro, the Air Chief urged the troops to remain resolute and proactive in their mission, stressing that no effort should be spared in restoring peace and security across the North-West.
He also called on the personnel to strengthen security around their bases and surrounding communities, emphasising the need to protect lives, property, and critical military assets within their areas of responsibility.
According to him, recent joint operations involving the Nigerian Air Force, the Army, and other security agencies have yielded notable successes.
He said several terrorist elements have been neutralised, their supply chains disrupted, and many victims of kidnapping rescued as a result of sustained aerial and ground operations.
The Air Chief commended the synergy among the armed forces and security agencies, noting that the collaborative approach has significantly weakened the operational capacity of bandits and terrorist groups in the region.
He further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support of the armed forces, particularly in the areas of logistics and personnel welfare, which he said has enhanced operational effectiveness and morale.
Aneke assured the troops that their sacrifices were recognised and appreciated, adding that the service remained committed to improving their welfare and administrative conditions.
Earlier in his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding, Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, lauded the dedication and professionalism of personnel under Operation Fansan Yamma, describing their contributions as critical to the broader anti-banditry campaign in the North-West.
He disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force has intensified air operations across Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states, resulting in significant degradation of terrorist networks.
These missions, he said, have disrupted command structures, destroyed logistics hubs, and restricted the movement of criminal elements.
Idris also commended the resilience and determination of NAF officers and airmen, noting that despite the harsh and demanding operational environment, they have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in the line of duty.
