By Esther Oseyiomon
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s readiness to provide decisive airpower support for Operation Savannah Shield and other counterterrorism missions nationwide.
Air Marshal Aneke gave the assurance on February 19 during an operational visit to the 303 Composite Group of the Nigerian Air Force in Ilorin, where he assessed the unit’s preparedness ahead of the formal inauguration of the operation.
The visit preceded a joint engagement with the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs for the launch of the operation aimed at strengthening security in Kwara State and beyond.
Inspecting operational platforms, maintenance facilities and mission support infrastructure, the Air Chief described airpower as a critical force multiplier that delivers speed, reach and precision in counterterrorism operations.
He commended personnel for their professionalism and combat readiness, stressing that sustained operational effectiveness depends on serviceable equipment, actionable intelligence and disciplined, mission-focused troops.
Air Marshal Aneke assured the unit of continued support from Headquarters in logistics, training and welfare to enhance responsiveness and efficiency.
Addressing officers, airmen and airwomen during a durbar, he highlighted the evolving nature of asymmetric threats and underscored the need for adaptive strategies and stronger inter-agency cooperation.
The operation was formally flagged off by the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, while Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq pledged sustained collaboration with security agencies to consolidate peace in the state.