Barely a week after brainstorming with past and present Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Operational commanders at the 2022 NAF Operations Seminar in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on the most effective strategies to adopt in the employment of air power against terrorists and insurgents, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao was in Katsina earlier today, 10 November 2022, to review the progress made so far. 

At the meeting with the operational commanders operating in the Northeast and Northwest, Air Marshal Amao urged them to remain resolute and steadfast as they sustain the current onslaught against remnants of terrorists and insurgents causing mayhem, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. 

The rendezvous afforded the CAS and the field commanders the opportunity to review and re-appraise current ongoing joint operations in order to re-strategize towards a more operationally effective NAF saddled with the expeditious conclusion of the current scourge of insecurity in the country. In doing so, however, Air Marshal Amao reminded the commanders to take cognizance of the dynamism and complexities of the ever-changing security environment while adopting the best strategies required to promote NAF’s retention of credible air power capability to prosecute its operations. 

Speaking further, the CAS expressed his delight and satisfaction with the current operational momentum deployed against terrorists and insurgents in the Northeast and Northwest which has led to the elimination of several key terrorists’ leaders and their cohorts. He then commended the Commanders and their men for their bravery, doggedness and loyalty in these endeavours. 

According to him, “The deployment of air power against terrorists and insurgents has changed the tides of the ongoing operations in the entire northern Nigeria thereby giving most Nigerians some respite and confidence in the abilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. We mustn’t, however, be complacent believing that the enemy has been defeated. Instead, we must continue to seize the initiative while dictating the pace of the operations.” 

The CAS also stated that the new platforms being expected into the inventory of the NAF in the first quarter of 2023 and beyond would no doubt add impetus to ongoing operations. He then admonished them to continue to remain focused and show no mercy while maintaining the tempo of the operations. Air Marshal Amao further urged them to sustain professionalism and responsiveness in the discharge of their constitutional roles while also taking extra measures to ensure that civilians are protected. “On my part, be rest assured that I will continue to ensure that you get all that you require to effectively execute the operations. Let me also use this medium to reassure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to your welfare and well-being,” he said.

The CAS was accompanied to the meeting by the Chief of Training and Operations, Air Vice Marshal Aliyu Bello, Chief of Logistics, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, Chief of Air Intelligence, Air Vice Marshal Nkem Aguiyi, and some directors from Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.