CAS Aneke Visits Troops of Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Vows to Hunt Down Terrorists
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has restated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) commitment to hunting down terrorists, insurgents, and criminal groups undermining national security. He gave the assurance during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2 at the 213 Forward Operating Base, Katsina.
Addressing personnel, Air Marshal Aneke said the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is clear—security forces must decisively neutralise all threats across the country. He noted that the increasing complexity of security challenges, coupled with the sacrifices of fallen troops, demands heightened vigilance, precision, and sustained operational pressure.
“We cannot relent for a moment,” he warned. “The nation is counting on us to restore peace and reclaim every inch of territory challenged by insurgents and criminals.” He added that the federal government’s investment in modern aircraft, advanced weapon systems, and enhanced training must reflect in ruthless efficiency and operational dominance.
Read Also:
The CAS praised the courage and professionalism of troops in the theatre, declaring that the NAF would remain relentless until all security threats are eliminated. “Wherever they hide, whether in forests, valleys, or remote villages, our forces will find them, and we will strike with precision. Our mission is clear: to hunt them down and protect our people,” he said.
Air Marshal Aneke also emphasised the importance of troop welfare, stressing that personnel safety, training, motivation, and equipment provision will continue to receive top priority. “A force that fights hard must also live well,” he added, noting ongoing investments in modern capabilities, intelligence-driven operations, and technology-based warfare systems.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, assured the CAS of the troops’ readiness to actualise his strategic vision for the NAF. The Air Component Commander, Air Commodore C. E. Illoh, briefed the CAS on recent operational gains, campaign plans, and evolving strategies across the theatre.
During the visit, the CAS inspected operational, engineering, logistics, medical, and sporting facilities before holding an interactive durbar with personnel. He urged them to remain focused and ensure that every mission contributes meaningfully to the overall campaign plan.
“You represent the pride of our nation and the hope of millions who sleep in peace because you stay awake,” he told the troops. “This fight is about securing our future. Every flight must count, employing actionable intelligence to achieve decisive impact.”
The visit reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to intelligence-led, precision-driven operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting its citizens.
By PRNigeria
