The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has ordered air component commanders across all ongoing military operations in Nigeria to intensify their air strikes against terrorists.
Aneke issued the directive during a high-level strategic meeting with commanders from all operational theatres at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja.
Held under the guidance of the new leadership, the meeting focused on enhancing precision air operations and executing smarter, harder, and more decisive strikes against insurgents, terrorists, and criminal groups threatening Nigeria’s peace and stability.
According to a statement by NAF, the engagement signalled a decisive shift in its operational posture, aimed at strengthening inter-service cooperation for improved national security outcomes.
Addressing the commanders, Air Marshal Aneke stressed the importance of agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare to effectively counter emerging threats across all theatres.
“We must fly smarter and strike harder. Every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,” he told the senior officers.
He also highlighted the need to synchronise intelligence-led air, land, and maritime operations to ensure joint mission success, adding that the NAF would continue to collaborate closely with sister services and security agencies to achieve unified operational effectiveness.
Reaffirming his commitment to personnel welfare, innovation, and continuous training, Aneke pledged to provide airmen and airwomen with the necessary tools and skills for successful missions.
He further assured that the NAF would remain steadfast in supporting the government’s vision for peace and security, while upholding international standards of conduct, discipline, and accountability.
“The safety and confidence of our citizens define our mission success. Nigeria is counting on us, and we will not fail,” the air chief declared.
Aneke’s directive follows US President Donald Trump’s call on the Federal Government to address what he described as the “mass slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria, labelling the country as a “Country of Particular Interest” (CPC).
Trump had warned that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening” and threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria.
However, the Federal Government dismissed the claim and urged Washington to view Nigeria’s situation with understanding.