The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is stepping up its fight against terrorism with a renewed sense of urgency, as Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), made clear during a high-profile operational visit to NAF Base Maiduguri on Monday, November 17, 2025. Against a backdrop of persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East, the Air Chief delivered a rousing message to troops and the nation: the Air Force is intensifying its campaign to neutralize terrorists and restore public confidence.
"We will go all out against them," Air Marshal Aneke declared, according to Voice of Nigeria and Western Post. The statement set the tone for the visit, signaling a shift to more aggressive, intelligence-driven operations designed to deny terrorists any freedom of action. The visit, which included a comprehensive operational briefing and engagement with frontline personnel, underscores the NAF’s commitment to dominating the battlespace and safeguarding communities.
During his tour of the Maiduguri base, Air Marshal Aneke announced several new measures: strengthening synergy with ground forces, widening precision-strike operations, and expanding intelligence-led missions. The Air Chief emphasized that airpower remains “fully engaged, fully committed, and fully determined” to dominate the fight. He stressed, “We must stay on the offensive and keep taking the fight to the enemy from the air. The nation sees your sacrifice and stands behind you.”
At the heart of the visit was a detailed operational briefing by Air Commodore M.B. Ahmed, Air Component Commander of Operation HADIN KAI. Ahmed outlined current taskings, recent strike outcomes, intelligence coverage, and ongoing efforts to extend interdiction missions deeper into terrorist enclaves. The focus, according to Ahmed, is on hitting terrorist strongholds with greater accuracy and persistence, making it harder for insurgent networks to regroup or threaten civilian populations.
Air Marshal Aneke’s message to the assembled airmen and women was clear: resilience, courage, and professionalism are the pillars of the ongoing campaign. He praised the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and the 105 Composite Group, describing them as “a driving force in our fight against insurgency and terrorism.” Despite recent challenges, he insisted, air operations remain “central to degrading terrorist capabilities, dismantling their networks, and safeguarding communities.”
The Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Paul Obeya, echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the readiness of troops to fully implement the CAS’s strategic direction. Obeya highlighted the push for tighter coordination with land forces, improved intelligence sharing, and enhanced rapid-response strike capability. He noted that the troops are “fully prepared to execute the CAS’s vision,” ensuring that every aspect of the air campaign is sharpened for maximum impact.
One of the central themes of Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership is what he calls “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare.” During his address, he restated his welfare-driven philosophy, assuring personnel of strengthened logistical support, enhanced medical and administrative systems, and the continued prioritization of operational allowances. “Under my leadership, the NAF will fly smarter and strike harder,” he declared, emphasizing that the welfare of airmen and women is directly linked to combat effectiveness.
According to Western Post, the visit also served as an opportunity for Air Marshal Aneke to assess real-time conditions on the ground and engage directly with personnel about factors influencing operational performance. He listened to concerns, addressed logistical and administrative hurdles, and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that those on the front lines have the resources they need to succeed.
Air Marshal Aneke did not miss the chance to express his deep appreciation for the support provided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stated, “Such confidence must be repaid with utmost professionalism and operational excellence,” highlighting the importance of civilian and political backing in sustaining military momentum.
Beyond the base, the Air Chief paid a courtesy call on Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State. Aneke commended the governor’s “Borno Model” of community-based stabilization, a strategy that has become a cornerstone of local security efforts. The governor’s government has consistently supported NAF operations, particularly through logistical interventions and strategic land allocations that have enhanced the Service’s posture in Maiduguri. “The people of Borno deserve nothing less,” Aneke said, pledging to strengthen collaboration with the state government, sister services, and all stakeholders.
Governor Zulum, in his remarks, praised the Air Force and other security agencies for their unwavering commitment to the security of lives and properties in Borno State. He highlighted the importance of continued cooperation among all branches of the security services, acknowledging that the fight against terrorism requires a united front. The governor’s words were a reminder that the battle against insurgency is as much about community resilience and local governance as it is about military might.
The operational visit comes at a time when the Nigerian Air Force is under intense public scrutiny. Recent attacks and persistent threats have raised questions about the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies. In response, Air Marshal Aneke’s assurances were unambiguous: “Let every Nigerian know this: your Air Force will not falter, will not hesitate, and will not retreat. We will find the terrorists, we will neutralise them, we will rescue our citizens, and we will honour our fallen heroes by ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain. The Nigerian Air Force stands resolute, unshakeable, and ready to defend this nation with every asset at its disposal.”
Both Voice of Nigeria and Western Post reported that the NAF’s new operational thrust includes expanding precision targeting, enhancing jointness with other branches of the military, and deploying airpower more strategically. The emphasis on intelligence-led missions reflects a broader shift in Nigerian security thinking, one that seeks to anticipate and disrupt terrorist movements before they can strike.
Of course, the success of these efforts depends on more than just hardware and strategy. Morale among personnel, the quality of inter-agency cooperation, and the willingness of local communities to share information all play critical roles. Air Marshal Aneke’s welfare-driven approach—prioritizing the needs of airmen and women—aims to build a fighting force that is not only technically proficient but also deeply motivated.
As the NAF continues its air campaign, expectations remain high. The public, weary from years of conflict, is looking for signs of lasting progress. The Air Chief’s visit to Maiduguri, his direct engagement with personnel, and his emphatic promises signal a new chapter in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism—one marked by resolve, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to national security.
In the coming months, the effectiveness of these intensified operations will become clear. For now, the message from Maiduguri is unmistakable: the Nigerian Air Force is not backing down, and the battle for peace and stability in the North-East rages on with renewed vigor.
