The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has restated the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) firm commitment to defending the nation and eliminating insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal groups undermining peace and stability. He made this known during an operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Katsina, where he urged personnel to intensify efforts in fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to decisively neutralise all threats to national security.

Air Marshal Aneke noted that the Federal Government’s unprecedented support through the procurement of modern platforms, advanced weaponry, and enhanced professional training places a significant responsibility on the NAF. He described the nation’s security environment as increasingly complex, with violent non state actors causing widespread destruction and loss of innocent lives. He reminded personnel that the sacrifices of fallen heroes must inspire unwavering determination, calling on them to remain agile, innovative, and precise. “We cannot relent,” he warned. “The nation is counting on us to restore peace and reclaim every inch of territory challenged by insurgents and criminals.”

Commending troops for their bravery, discipline, and professionalism despite difficult operating conditions, the CAS declared that the NAF will remain relentless. “We will not rest until every threat to our sovereignty is neutralised. No matter where they hide, forests, valleys, or remote settlements, our forces will find them and strike with precision. Our mission is clear: hunt them down and protect our people.” He urged personnel to sustain their operational momentum and ensure every mission reflects the NAF’s values of service, discipline, and patriotism.

Reaffirming his leadership philosophy of decisive warfare supported by strong welfare systems, Air Marshal Aneke stressed that operational success must go hand in hand with personnel well being. “A force that fights hard must also live well,” he stated. “Your welfare, training, and equipment will match your courage. You are the nation’s shield, and your safety and morale remain priorities.” He assured that the NAF will continue to invest in modern capabilities, intelligence assets, and technology driven operations to achieve sustained air dominance and decisive ground impact.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal Ahmed Idris, pledged the readiness and commitment of troops to actualise the CAS’s strategic vision. The visit also featured an operational brief by the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore C E Illoh, who highlighted ongoing campaign plans, recent gains, and evolving counter threat strategies. The CAS and his entourage of senior officers later inspected key operational and administrative facilities, including Engineering, Logistics, Medical, and Recreational areas.

The visit ended with an interactive durbar with officers, airmen, and airwomen, during which the CAS addressed their concerns and urged them to remain resolute. “You are the pride of our nation and the hope of millions who sleep peacefully because you stand guard,” he said. “This mission is not just about defeating enemies; it is about securing our future. We must fly smarter, strike harder, and protect every Nigerian life with honour.” He further directed that every mission must be intelligence led and aligned with the overall campaign objectives.

The visit to Operation FANSAN YAMMA Sector 2 underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s renewed commitment under Air Marshal Aneke’s leadership to delivering decisive, intelligence driven, and precision focused operations to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure the protection of its citizens.