NAF Intensifies Intelligence-Led Air Strikes in Bauchi, Warns Against Complacency
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its intelligence-led air operations against terrorist and bandit groups, as the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ordered heightened vigilance and zero complacency during a strategic visit to Bauchi State.
Speaking to personnel at the Headquarters Special Operations Command (HQ SOC) on April 29, 2026, Air Marshal Aneke underscored the critical role of the Command in national security, directing that all missions must be guided strictly by actionable intelligence and executed with precision.
“This Command remains central to safeguarding our sovereignty and delivering decisive airpower in support of ongoing operations. We will keep our eyes open so our citizens can sleep with theirs closed,” he said, stressing that “every mission must count” in addressing evolving security threats.
During the visit, the CAS carried out a comprehensive inspection of operational equipment and infrastructure to evaluate combat readiness and improve effectiveness. He reiterated that operational preparedness remains non-negotiable and warned commanders against any form of complacency, urging strict discipline and accountability in the field.
Air Marshal Aneke also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu, where he highlighted the importance of strengthening civil-military relations. He noted that building public trust is essential for achieving sustainable security outcomes, a stance the monarch endorsed while commending the Air Force’s role in maintaining peace and stability.
The CAS further outlined ongoing efforts to boost operational capability through the deployment of modern platforms, enhanced intelligence systems, and sustained personnel training. He assured troops of continued improvements in welfare and infrastructure, emphasizing that investment in personnel and equipment is vital to mission success.
In his remarks, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations Command, Ahmed Idris, affirmed the Command’s commitment to the CAS’s directives, stating that it remains aligned with strategic objectives and is maintaining a high operational tempo to deliver decisive airpower effects.
The renewed push comes amid ongoing military operations targeting insurgency and banditry across parts of northern Nigeria, with the Air Force positioning intelligence-driven strikes as a key component of its counter-terrorism strategy.
By TimesNG