KATSINA, NIGERIA
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has signaled a profound escalation of its campaign against banditry and terrorism in the Northwest, with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, issuing a direct and unambiguous vow to “hunt them down and protect our people.”
Following his operational visit to the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) Sector 2/213 FOB Katsina, the CAS’s declaration, coupled with the commitment of modern platforms and intelligence-led operations, confirms a potential turning point in the years-long battle for security in the region, driven by the Commander-in-Chief’s directive to decisively neutralise all threats.
This intensified approach is defined by a strategic mandate, as Air Marshal Aneke charged personnel to move toward “ruthless precision” and “operational dominance.” This transition is being realized through the Federal Government’s investment in advanced weaponry and enhanced training, as consistently confirmed by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) in recent communiques. Briefings within OPFY Sector 2, led by the Air Component Commander, Air Commodore CE Illoh, highlighted crucial gains. Specifically, a recent NAF press release detailed how air assets under Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck Zango Hill in Kankara LGA, Katsina State, a notorious hideout for a terrorist kingpin. This decisive strike, according to the official report, destroyed logistics hubs and neutralised several criminals. Furthermore, armed reconnaissance missions across the Northwest corridor, covering known routes in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States, demonstrate the NAF’s sustained operational reach.
Crucially, the effectiveness of this renewed push is rooted in a highly technical and intelligence-led strategy. Air Marshal Aneke emphasised during his address, captured in the subsequent press summary, that “every flight must count,” requiring the use of actionable intelligence to ensure a defined contribution to the overall campaign plan. This sharp focus on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) feeds, supported by the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), is vital for overcoming the asymmetric challenge posed by criminals. Bandits and terrorists often exploit dense forest cover and remote terrain, but airpower, when guided by real-time intelligence, remains the most effective kinetic tool for striking high-value targets and degrading logistics networks deep within these enclaves.
While these precision strikes have inflicted immediate losses, the long-term effectiveness of the NAF’s efforts will depend on the ability to sustain momentum. The CAS’s warning, “We cannot relent for a moment,” also released via official communication, highlights the need for continuous operational tempo, given that criminal networks have historically shown an ability to regroup when pressure is eased. Alongside operational dominance, the CAS is matching decisive warfare with robust welfare, recognizing that “a force that fights hard must also live well.” This renewed commitment to personnel welfare, training, and state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the enhanced military capabilities translate into consistent, focused operational output, holding the potential to significantly degrade the capacity of these groups and restore stability to the Northwest.
