Air Force Declares Total War On Bandits As Air Marshal Abubakar Visits Frontline Troops

In a renewed effort to combat banditry, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has ordered Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to intensify airstrikes against criminal elements while prioritizing civilian safety.

This directive, issued through Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, highlights the Air Force’s commitment to precise air operations in line with its Civilian Harm Mitigation Action Plan.

During his recent visit to the Air Component Headquarters of Operation Fansam Yamma in Katsina and Sokoto States, Air Marshal Abubakar commended the troops for their unwavering dedication and urged them to sustain the momentum. He emphasized that air power remains a decisive tool in dismantling criminal hideouts and supporting ground forces in counter-banditry operations.

Recognizing the importance of intelligence, logistics, and troop welfare, the CAS reaffirmed his commitment to providing essential resources. He stressed that maintaining high morale, ensuring timely intelligence, and keeping equipment in top condition are crucial for long-term security in the region.

As part of his visit, Air Marshal Abubakar inspected operational aircraft and ongoing infrastructure projects. In Sokoto, he assessed newly constructed accommodation and other facilities aimed at boosting operational efficiency. In Katsina, he reviewed key projects, including a new hangar, accommodation units, and a Base church, further demonstrating NAF’s dedication to improving personnel welfare.

With banditry posing a significant threat to stability in the North-West, NAF, in collaboration with other security agencies, is intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks. The Air Chief’s visit served as a morale booster for the troops, reinforcing the strategic importance of sustained air operations in restoring security.

The NAF reiterated its commitment to leveraging air superiority and strategic coordination to safeguard the nation and neutralize threats to national security.