- Safiu Kehinde
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has on Saturday revealed plan by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to further degrade the fighting capacity of terrorists, as it was in 2025.
Aneke made this known during Parley for NAF Veterans alongside the 2025 Base Annual Social- Cultural Activities (BASA), in Maiduguri.
The air chief, who was represented by Air Commodore Adebanjo Adeosun, said the service remained resolute in projecting decisive airpower in support of surface forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the North-east.
He noted that the force had in the past year recorded success in its operations in key areas in the Northwest.
“The year 2025 has been particularly eventful for the Air Component and the 105 Composite Group. Operating within a highly dynamic and complex security environment.
“Significant operational gains have been recorded across key areas including the Timbuktu Triangle, Tumbuns, Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, and the Lake Chad Basin, resulting in the disruption of terrorist networks, neutralisation of high-value targets, and degradation of the enemy’s fighting capacity,” Aneke said.
Aneke said, these achievements had reflected the professionalism, courage, and resilience of their pilots, aircrew, engineers, and support personnel who operate tirelessly under challenging conditions to secure the nation.
“In parallel with kinetic operations, the Air Component has sustained non-kinetic efforts, particularly in civil-military cooperation and psychological operations, aimed at winning hearts and minds, countering extremist narratives, and encouraging defections,” the Air Chief said.
He also said that the service would be steadfast in ensuring that those who served the nation with honour continue to receive dignity, care, and institutional support after retirement.
Aneke, however, highlighted several key welfare initiatives being prioritised by the service through sustained inter-agency collaboration and policy engagement.
“These initiatives are aimed at improving healthcare access, economic reintegration, financial security, and continuous engagement of NAF veterans with the Service.
“Notable initiatives include ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to enhance veterans’ access to skill acquisition, vocational training, and employment opportunities, with plans to integrate military-acquired skills into national labour frameworks,” the Air Chief said.
Meanwhile, in his welcome address during the Base Annual Socio-cultural Activities, the Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore Mohammadu Ahmed, said the event aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the NAF while fostering unity and comradeship amongst personnel.
He said that the NAF had continued to shape the operational environment and significantly enhance the effectiveness of joint operations in the theatre.
According to him, the service has consistently demonstrated its people-centred approach through civil-military cooperation, humanitarian assistance, and community engagement initiatives.
“These efforts have strengthened trust, fostered cooperation with host communities, and reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s image as a force for peace, stability, and national unity,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the air force will continue to soar to greater heights, adding that the air personnel would sustain their critical role in ensuring peace, security, and national unity.
The special guest of honour, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the professionalism, courage, and resilience of NAF personnel, particularly in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
Zulum, who was represented by Mr Sainna Buba, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sport, described the event as a powerful symbol of unity and cohesion, noting that cultural activities such as BASA play a vital role in strengthening morale and operational effectiveness.