The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its operations in the North-West, promising to make it increasingly difficult for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other armed groups to operate freely or continue threatening vulnerable communities.

The Service said it has expanded its air presence in Sokoto State as part of efforts to strengthen ongoing joint security operations under Operation Fansan Yamman, with a renewed focus on disrupting criminal groups before they can consolidate their positions.

The move comes against the backdrop of intensified military operations across the country, including a recent air offensive in Borno State that reportedly killed more than 26 terrorist fighters.

The NAF said its platforms operating under the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, conducted precision strikes on identified terrorist positions in forested areas of Monguno and Biu Local Government Areas.

According to the Service, the strikes were carried out against confirmed targets and formed part of continuing efforts to degrade terrorist networks and weaken their ability to launch attacks.

With the North-West facing persistent threats from armed groups operating across difficult terrain, the NAF said its strengthened presence in Sokoto would provide additional aerial surveillance and rapid-response capability for troops on the ground.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, said the Service was determined to use air power more effectively as security threats continue to evolve.

He stressed that military operations in the current security environment could not rely on air strikes alone, but required accurate intelligence, rapid deployment and close coordination between air and ground forces.

“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,” Aneke said.

The Air Chief said the NAF would continue working alongside the other military services and security agencies to ensure that air operations produce meaningful results on the ground.

“We will continue to employ air power intelligently, professionally and decisively, in synergy with our sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians,” he added.

Advertisement

The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the expanded operations reflected the Service’s broader strategy of maintaining a highly motivated, professionally trained and combat-ready force.

He said the approach was also in line with Aneke’s Command Philosophy, which places emphasis on intelligence-led operations, innovation, preparedness and closer integration between air and surface forces.

The Service explained that strengthening its aerial presence was particularly important in the fight against asymmetric threats, where terrorists and bandits often take advantage of forests, rugged terrain and their mobility to evade troops.

Unlike ground forces, aircraft can cover large areas within a short period, monitor movements from the air and respond rapidly when actionable intelligence becomes available.

The NAF said it would therefore continue using aerial surveillance and precision air power to locate hostile groups, disrupt their activities and restrict their ability to move weapons, fighters and supplies across operational areas.

The strategy, it said, is ultimately aimed at creating a safer environment for ground troops to advance and consolidate their positions while reducing the space available to armed groups.

The Service reiterated that its operations would remain intelligence-driven and conducted in coordination with other security agencies, with civilian safety remaining a key consideration.

With the military simultaneously intensifying operations in different theatres, the NAF’s latest deployment signals a broader effort to keep pressure on criminal and terrorist networks from the air while giving troops on the ground greater operational reach.

For communities living under the shadow of recurring attacks, the military’s message is straightforward: armed groups should no longer expect to find safe havens simply by retreating into forests or difficult terrain.