Nigeria: NAF Vows to Deny Extremists Freedom to Threaten Vulnerable Places in North West

What the report says

The Nigerian Air Force says it is stepping up joint operations to prevent terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other armed groups from threatening vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s North-West. In a statement carried by This Day and distributed by AllAfrica, the service said it had also reinforced its air presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing security efforts in the region.

The comments came as the Air Force highlighted recent operations elsewhere in the northeast. According to the report, NAF aircraft under Operation Hadin Kai carried out precision strikes on suspected militant hideouts in forest areas of Monguno and Biu local government areas in Borno State, with more than 26 fighters reported killed. The article said this action took place roughly a day before the North-West statement.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke said the Air Force intends to rely on intelligence-led missions, responsive air support and closer coordination with ground forces. He said the goal is to keep criminal groups under pressure and help surface troops dominate the battlefield while maintaining civilian safety. The report presents the move as part of a broader focus on readiness, surveillance and rapid response in Nigeria’s asymmetric security environment, where armed groups often use difficult terrain to evade ground forces.