The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal
Sunday Aneke, has ordered air component commanders involved in ongoing
military operations across the country to intensify precision airstrikes
against terrorists and insurgents.
Aneke issued the directive during a high-level
strategic meeting with air component commanders from all operational
theatres held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement by the NAF, the meeting was
convened under the new leadership’s directive to “deliver smarter, harder,
and more decisive strikes” and to strengthen inter-service coordination
for improved national security outcomes.
“We must fly smarter and strike harder; every mission
must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,”
the Air Chief told the senior officers.
He emphasised agility, precision, and
intelligence-driven warfare as the key principles needed to counter
evolving threats across various theatres of operation.
Focus On Intelligence-Led Joint Operations
Air Marshal Aneke stressed the importance of synchronising
intelligence-led air, land, and maritime operations, assuring that the Air
Force would continue to collaborate closely with the Army, Navy, and other
security agencies to ensure mission success.
He reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare,
innovation, and continuous training, noting that every airman and airwoman
would be equipped with the tools and skills required for operational
excellence.
“The safety and confidence of our citizens are our
mission success indicators. Nigeria is counting on us, and we will not fail,”
he added.
The NAF statement further noted that the meeting
represented a recalibration of the Force’s operational posture to
deliver more effective and intelligence-led responses to threats against
Nigeria’s peace and stability.
Context: U.S. Pressure On Nigeria’s
Security Situation
Aneke’s directive came shortly after U.S. President
Donald Trump called on the Nigerian government to address what he described
as the “mass slaughter of Christians.”
Trump had warned that the U.S. “cannot stand by
while such atrocities are happening,” suggesting that Washington could
consider deploying troops to Nigeria if the situation persisted.
The Federal Government, however, dismissed
Trump’s remarks, urging the U.S. to approach Nigeria’s security challenges with
understanding and context.
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