The Nigerian Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing joint military operations, as Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke urged troops to sustain pressure on terrorist groups across operational areas. The development was disclosed in a statement released by the Nigerian Air Force.
Aneke delivered the charge on April 6, 2026, during an Easter luncheon with personnel of the Air Component of Operation Whirl Stroke in Makurdi, Benue State. Represented by the Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal Ikechukwu Ogbodo, the Air Chief commended troops for their role in recent operational gains, noting that their efforts continue to strengthen security operations.
According to the statement, Aneke highlighted that the Air Force, working alongside other security agencies, has intensified intelligence-driven air operations targeting bandits and terrorist groups. He said sustained precision strikes, close air support, armed reconnaissance, and interdiction missions have disrupted enemy logistics, dismantled command structures, and denied hostile elements freedom of movement across the theatre.
“The Service has intensified intelligence-driven air campaigns through sustained precision strikes, close air support, armed reconnaissance, and interdiction missions that continue to disrupt enemy logistics, dismantle command structures, and deny hostile elements freedom of movement across the theatre,” the statement read. Aneke added that these sustained operations have contributed to recent successes recorded within the joint operations area.
The Air Chief also noted that the Air Force would continue to invest in advanced equipment and prioritise troop welfare to maintain operational effectiveness. Speaking at the event, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Micheal Ekwueme, described the gathering as a morale-boosting initiative designed to strengthen unity among personnel.
The Air Component Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Wing Commander OO Evulobi, assured that troops remain committed to maintaining operational momentum in support of ground forces. The Nigerian Air Force reiterated that continued collaboration with other security agencies remains key to achieving lasting security across affected regions.
