By Ayomide Otitoju
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, has urged Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities in the Northwest Region, while adopting stringent measures to protect lives and property in host communities.
Aneke made the call during a Christmas luncheon with troops of Air Component Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2 and the 213 Forward Operating Base in Katsina, held Thursday at the NAF 213 Operating Base Sports Complex. Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi Yaro, the Air Chief said the fight against insurgency had yielded positive results.
“Do not leave any stone unturned in the quest to subdue terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality within the northwest region,” he said. Aneke noted that many terrorists and their logistics had been neutralized and several kidnapped victims rescued.
He commended the combined efforts of the NAF, sister security services, and other agencies, emphasizing their impact on bandit and terrorist operations. “I urge you to implement robust security measures to safeguard the base, its critical assets, and the lives and property of host communities,” he added.
The Air Chief also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting operational logistics and welfare needs of the service, which he said has enabled the NAF to perform effectively. He encouraged troops to remain focused and relentless in their fight against insecurity, assuring that their sacrifices are recognized and welfare needs are being addressed.
In his welcome address, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, lauded the achievements of Operation Fansan Yamma Sector 2, highlighting the NAF’s intensified aerial operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina States. He said these operations, often conducted alongside the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, have disrupted terrorist logistics, command structures, and mobility.
Idris further commended the professionalism, resilience, and dedication of airmen and airwomen operating under challenging conditions.
