By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Nigerian Air Force has intensified air strikes and increased its operational presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing joint security operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West, declaring that it will sustain pressure on hostile elements until peace is restored to the region.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, 24 August, 2026 in Abuja, saying the strengthened deployment reflects the service’s resolve to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain rapid response capabilities within the Joint Operations Area.
Ejodame said the increased air presence is critical in tackling asymmetric threats, noting that terrorists and bandits frequently exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces.
He further explained that by leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of airpower, the NAF is better positioned to locate, disrupt and degrade hostile elements, deny them freedom of movement and create opportunities for surface forces to consolidate gains.
Ejodame quoted the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, as reaffirming that the NAF would continue to optimise the use of airpower to deliver decisive effects in support of joint operations. Aneke said the evolving security environment demands timely intelligence, responsive airpower and seamless integration 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.
“We will continue to employ airpower intelligently, professionally, and decisively in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for civilian safety.”
The Chief of the Air Staff said the initiative aligns with his command philosophy of building a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives. He said it also reinforces the NAF’s focus on intelligence-led operations, innovation, operational readiness and joint-force integration.
Aneke reiterated the NAF’s commitment to supporting national efforts to restore peace and stability across the North-West, saying the service would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist and criminal networks and safeguard communities.
He urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to the appropriate authorities.
