Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining high-tempo air operations against insurgents as he engaged frontline personnel during an Easter luncheon at NAF Base Maiduguri on 6 April 2026.
Represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Air Vice Marshal MS Ibrahim, the CAS commended personnel of the Air Component, Operation HADIN KAI, for their resilience, professionalism, and steadfastness in executing relentless precision strikes, armed reconnaissance, and intelligence-driven missions that continue to degrade terrorist networks and severely restrict their freedom of movement across the North-East theatre.
He noted that the sustained operational pressure being applied by the Air Component remains critical to the broader joint force objective of denying insurgents safe havens and restoring lasting peace in the region.
The CAS further highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen operational capability through the induction of advanced combat platforms, unmanned aerial systems, enhanced mission training, and strengthened strategic partnerships aimed at improving combat effectiveness.
He also assured personnel of continued improvements in welfare, medical support, and accommodation as essential enablers of morale and sustained mission performance.
Paying tribute to fallen heroes, he urged troops to remain resolute and mission-focused, while also appreciating the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, defence authorities, and the Borno State Government toward ongoing air operations.
The Easter engagement once again reinforced the Nigerian Air Force’s resolve to sustain decisive airpower employment and high-tempo counter-insurgency operations until enduring peace and stability are fully restored in the North-East.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Head of Service, Dr Sadiq Abubakar Mohammed, commended the NAF for its decisive role in degrading insurgent networks and improving security across the state and the wider North-East region.
He praised the gallantry and sacrifice of NAF personnel and acknowledged the Service’s humanitarian interventions, noting that its medical outreaches, disaster response efforts, and logistical support have continued to positively impact affected communities.
Earlier, the Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore MB Ahmed, highlighted the growing operational impact of NAF airpower in the theatre.
He noted that sustained precision air strikes, intelligence-driven missions, and persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations have continued to dismantle terrorist logistics chains, neutralise key targets, and restrict insurgents’ freedom of movement across the theatre.
The Easter engagement further reinforced NAF’s war-fighting spirit, strengthened troop morale, and reaffirmed the Service’s determination to sustain decisive air operations until lasting peace and security are fully restored in the North-East.