Air Chief orders commanders to “Strike Smarter, harder” as NAF recalibrates war strategy
By Kingsley Omonobi
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Wednesday summoned all Air Component Commanders from Nigeria’s operational theatres to a high-level strategy meeting at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Headquarters, Abuja, issuing fresh directives to intensify precision strikes against insurgents, terrorists, and other criminal elements destabilising the country.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the meeting was convened to recalibrate the NAF’s operational focus under the new leadership and to strengthen synergy across commands.
He said the session “provided a platform to harmonize strategies, reinforce inter-service cooperation, and ensure that the Nigerian Air Force remains a decisive instrument of national security and a symbol of hope for citizens.”
Addressing the commanders, Air Marshal Aneke declared that the emerging security landscape demands agility, intelligence, and enhanced lethality.
“The days ahead demand agility, precision, and intelligence-driven warfare. We must fly smarter and strike harder—not only to neutralize threats but to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians. Every mission must reflect professionalism, purpose, and patriotism,” he charged.
He stressed that the evolving nature of threats across theatres requires full synchronization of air, land, and maritime operations to achieve joint mission success.
“Our operations must be intelligence-led, coordinated, and focused. We will continue to work closely with sister services and other security agencies to ensure a united front in the fight against terrorism and criminality,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to personnel welfare and capacity development, the CAS said the Air Force under his command will prioritise innovation, technology, and continuous training to enhance mission success.
“Every airman and airwoman has a role to play in achieving our collective vision. I will ensure you are equipped, trained, and motivated to deliver results,” he assured.
Air Marshal Aneke also emphasized that the NAF remains committed to the Federal Government’s security objectives while upholding international standards of conduct and accountability.
“We will apply decisive force against those who threaten our nation, with discipline, humanity, and professionalism. The Nigerian people, government, and international partners expect nothing less from us,” he stated.
He charged the commanders to turn strategy into results, sustain operational momentum, and ensure every sortie delivers measurable impact.
“The safety and confidence of our citizens are our mission success indicators. Nigeria is counting on us, and we will not fail,” he declared.
The strategic engagement, according to Ejodame, reaffirmed the NAF’s dedication to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, boosting troop confidence, supporting personnel aspirations, and reinforcing international trust in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
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